Conference reports of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Official Report, One Hundred Fiftieth Annual General Conference
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in the

Tabernacle
Salt Lake City, Utah
April 5 and 6, 1980

SESQUICENTENNIAL

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Official Report, One Hundred Fiftieth Annual General Conference
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in the
Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah, April 5 and 6, 1980

Published by
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Salt Lake City, Utah

Copyright © 1980 Corporation of the President
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
All Rights Reserved
Printed in the United States of America

THE ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNUAL

CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS
CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

The 150th Annual Conference of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints convened in the Tabernacle
on Temple Square in Salt Lake City,
Utah on Saturday, April 5, 1980, at
10:00 A.M.

The general sessions of the con-
ference were held at 10:00 a.m. and
2:00 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday,
April 5 and 6, 1980. The general
welfare session was held in the Taber-
nacle on Saturday, April 5, 1980, at
7:00 A.M. The general priesthood
meeting was held in the Tabernacle
on Saturday, April 5, 1980, at 7:00

P.M.

President N. Eldon Tanner, First
Counselor in the First Presidency,
conducted the Saturday morning, Sat-
urday afternoon, priesthood, and
Sunday morning sessions. President
Marion G. Romney, Second Coun-
selor in the First Presidency, con-
ducted the general welfare meeting
and the Sunday afternoon session.

After attending the Saturday
morning general session, President
Kimball and his party travelled to
Fayette, New York to participate in
special services to commemorate the
Sesquicentennial of the Church. The
first portion of the Sunday morning
general session was televised from the
Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. By
means of special satellite transmission
facilities, the television cameras then
switched to a replica of the Peter
Whitmer, Sr. farmhouse in Fayette,
New York, from which President
Kimball made remarks about the
organization of the Church in the
original Whitmer farmhouse on April
6, 1830. At President Kimball's
request, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley
then read a proclamation to the world
from the First Presidency and the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Later, President Kimball and Elder
Hinckley addressed the conference via
satellite transmission from a new cha-
pel constructed near the replica of the
Whitmer farmhouse. Following his
address, President Kimball dedicated
the new chapel.

During the Sunday afternoon
session, the television cameras again
switched from the Salt Lake Taber-
nacle to the new Fayette Chapel, from
which Elder Hugh W. Pinnock spoke
and President Kimball delivered the
concluding address of the conference.
The Mormon Youth Chorus in the
Salt Lake Tabernacle and a special
choir at the Fayette Chapel alternately
sang verses of the hymn "We Ever
Pray for Thee" with the cameras
switching back and forth to and from
the two choirs as they sang. The
Mormon Youth Chorus then sang
"God Be with You," and the bene-
diction was offered by Elder Eldred
G. Smith from the Fayette Chapel.

Also commemorating the
Sesquicentennial of the Church was a
special presentation by the United
States Postal Service authorities. The
half-hour ceremony, which followed
the Saturday morning welfare session,
marked the date of the first issuance
of a U.S. postal card bearing a picture
of the Salt Lake Temple.

The Primary general presidency
was reorganized during the confer-
ence. Sister Naomi M. Shumway,
president, and Sisters Colleen B.
Lemmon and Dorthea C. Murdock
were released with a vote of thanks,
and Sister Dwan J. Young was
sustained as the new president of the
Primary with Sisters Virginia B.
Cannon and Michaelene P. Grassli as
her first and second counselors,
respectively.

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 5 First Day

i

The proceedings of all sessions
of the conference were given exten-
sive coverage in the United States and
Canada over many radio and tele-
vision stations coast to coast, origi-
nating with KSL in Salt Lake City.

By means of satellite transmis-
sion, sessions of the conference were
heard over radio in countries of Cen-
tral and South America, Mexico,
Australia, Spain, and, for the first
time, seen on television in the
Philippines.

The general priesthood meeting
was transmitted over closed circuit
from the Tabernacle to approximately
1 ,924 buildings throughout the United
States, Canada, Puerto Rico, New
Zealand, Australia, Philippines,
Korea, and for the first time, the
Dominican Republic; and by way of
closed-circuit television to the Salt
Palace and to stake buildings in Salt
Lake City and on the BYU campus.

Video tapes of conference
sessions were sent to television
stations in Canada and to members
and friends assembled in chapels
throughout Great Britain, Germany,
France, Switzerland, Holland,
Belgium, and Austria.

Rebroadcasts of all sessions of
the conference were sent by KSL
Radio in Salt Lake City, and KIRO
Radio, Seattle, Washington, to many
parts of the United States and Canada,
and the world, beginning at midnight
following each conference day's
proceedings.

This report of the conference
also includes the continuity of the
Tabernacle Choir and organ broadcast
over the Columbia Broadcasting Sys-
tem on Sunday from 9:30 A.M. to
10:00 A.M. immediately preceding the
general conference session.

General Authorities present

The following General Authori-
ties of the Church attended one or
more of the general sessions:

The First Presidency: Spencer
W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner,
Marion G. Romney.

The Quorum of the Twelve: Ezra
Taft Benson, Mark E. Petersen,
LeGrand Richards, Howard W.
Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas
S. Monson, Boyd K. Packer, Marvin
J. Ashton, Bruce R. McConkie, L.
Tom Perry, David B. Haight, and
James E. Faust.

The First Quorum of the Seventy:
Presidents. Franklin D. Richards,
Neal A. Maxwell, J. Thomas Fyans,
Carlos E. Asay, M. Russell Ballard,
Dean L. Larsen.1 Additional mem-
bers: Marion D. Hanks, A. Theodore
Turtle,1 Bernard P. Brockbank, Paul
H. Dunn, Hartman Rector, Jr., Loren
C. Dunn, Robert L. Simpson, O.
Leslie Stone, Rex D. Pinegar, W.
Grant Bangerter, Robert D. Hales,
Adney Y. Komatsu, Joseph B.
Wirthlin, Gene R. Cook, Charles
Didier, William R. Bradford, George
P. Lee, John H. Groberg, Jacob de
Jager, Vaughn J. Featherstone,
Robert E. Wells, G. Homer Durham,
James M. Paramore, Richard G.
Scott, Hugh W. Pinnock, F. Enzio
Busche, Yoshihiko Kikuchi, Ronald
E. Poelman, Derek A. Cuthbert,
Robert L. Backman, Rex C. Reeve,
Sr., F. Burton Howard, Teddy E.
Brewerton, and Jack H. Goaslind, Jr.
Emeritus members: Sterling W. Sill,
Henry D. Taylor, James A.
Cullimore, Joseph Anderson, William
H. Bennett, John H. Vandenberg, and
S. Dilworth Young.

The Presiding Bishopric: Victor
L. Brown, H. Burke Peterson, and J.
Richard Clarke.

Other authorities present

Other authorities of the Church
in attendance included Regional Rep-
resentatives, presidents of stakes and
their counselors, presidents of
temples, bishoprics of wards, and
presidencies and members of the

PRESIDENT N. ELDON TANNER

3

Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthood
quorums.

Many general, stake, and ward
auxiliary officers also attended.

'Elders Royden G. Derrick and
Theodore M Burton were excused
due to illness.

FIRST DAY
MORNING MEETING

FIRST SESSION

The opening session of the
Sesquicentennial conference convened
in the Tabernacle on Temple Square
in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday,
April 5, 1980, at 10:00 a.m. President
Spencer W. Kimball presided at this
session. President N. Eldon Tanner,
First Counselor in the First Presi-
dency, conducted.

The music for this session was
furnished by the Tabernacle Choir
with Jerold Ottley and Donald
Ripplinger conducting and Robert
Cundick at the organ.

Before the commencement of the
meeting, the Tabernacle Choir sang
"Come, O Thou King of Kings."

President Tanner then made the
following remarks:

President N. Eldon Tanner

President Spencer W. Kimball,
who presides at this session, has
asked me to conduct this session.

We extend a cordial greeting to
all assembled this morning in the Tab-
ernacle on Temple Square at the com-
mencement of this, the 150th Annual
Conference of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We also welcome those seated in
the overflow congregation in the Salt
Palace and the many throughout the
world who make up the unseen
audience of radio and television.

The Tabernacle Choir has just
rendered "Come, O Thou King of
Kings. "

Seated on the stand are all of the
General Authorities of the Church ex-
cept Elders Royden G. Derrick and
Theodore M. Burton who are ill, and
Elders Jacob de Jager and Derek A.
Cuthbert who are presiding in the Salt
Palace.

Present also are Regional Repre-
sentatives, stake and temple presiden-
cies, patriarchs, bishops, other
general and local officers of the
Church, and members of the Church
from many foreign lands. We extend
a special welcome to government,
education, and civic leaders who are
present.

We announce the honorable
release, with a vote of thanks for their
excellent services, of the Primary
General Presidency, consisting of Sis-
ters Naomi M. Shumway, Colleen B.
Lemmon, and Dorthea C. Murdock,
and the Primary General Board as
now constituted. We now present for
your vote, Sister Dwan J. Young as
the president of the Primary Associ-
ation with Sister Virginia B. Cannon
as first counselor and Sister
Michaelene P. Grassli as second
counselor. All in favor, please signi-
fy. Any contrary by the same sign.

The Tabernacle Choir, under the
direction of Jerold Ottley and Donald
Ripplinger with Robert Cundick at the
organ will provide the music for this
session.

4

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

The Choir will now sing "More
Things Are Wrought by Prayer. " Fol-
lowing the singing, the invocation
will be offered by Elder Rex C.
Reeve, a member of the First Quorum
of the Seventy and Executive Admin-
istrator of the British Isles-Africa
Area.

The Choir sang "More Things
Are Wrought by Prayer. "

Elder Rex C. Reeve offered the
invocation.

Without announcement, the
Choir sang "A Marvelous Work."

President Tanner

Our beloved President, President
Spencer W. Kimball will now speak
to us.

President Spencer W. Kimball

My beloved brothers and sisters,
I am grateful, as always, just to be
with you and to be near you. These
last six months I have felt your love
and support and prayers, time and
time again, and wish to thank you
most sincerely for them.

Righteous history

General conference is always a
glorious event. But this conference is
even more special because we cele-
brate the Sesquicentennial of the or-
ganization of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. The his-
tory of the Church is essentially the
history of its individual members.
One of the best ways to celebrate
righteous history is to make more of
it, make more righteous history! In
this connection, you will recall that a
year ago you were called upon to
stretch yourselves in further service.
Included in the counsel given then
was the suggestion that each active
member or family bring an individual
or a family into the Church by the
time the April 1980 conference ar-
rived. That conference is now here.
Did we do it? Or are some of us still
being "neighbors as usual," not yet
fully sharing the gospel with our
friends and neighbors?

As we speak of sharing the gos-
pel, let me say that the First Presi-

dency has just been advised by the
Church Missionary Committee that as
of last week we had 30,004 full-time
missionaries. That is the largest num-
ber of missionaries ever in the his-
tory of the Church. What a glorious
work they are performing and what
blessings they bring into the lives of
our Father's other children through-
out the world who hearken to their
message of joy and peace and
salvation.

Brethren and sisters, there are
more young men who can and should
serve in the mission field. Presently
they represent 79 percent of our total
missionary force. We have not yet
reached our potential. The young sis-
ters serving represent 13 percent of
the total. Eight percent of the total
missionary force is represented by
older couples. What a blessing their
maturity and experience are wherever
they serve. With the divine commis-
sion we have to share the gospel with
the entire world, we do indeed need
many more missionaries. Remember
that "the field is white already to
harvest" (D&C 4:4).

Consolidated meeting schedule

You will recall, also, our saying
last year in general conference and in
seminars for the Regional Represen-
tatives that some further program ad-

PRESIDENT SPENCER W. KIMBALL

5

justments were coming. We said at
that time: "We see ourselves as posi-
tioning our people so that the Latter-
day Saints can give greater attention
to family life, can focus more on
certain simple and basic things, can
render more Christian service, and
can have greater effectiveness in all
these things — through the process of
simplification, scheduling, proper
priorities, and by honoring the priest-
hood line" (Regional Representa-
tives' seminar, 5 Oct. 1979; see also
Ensign, Nov. 1979, p. 100).

Those adjustments, as you have
recently learned, now have been
made. We are confident that as a
result we will indeed see an upsurge
in quality family life, in Christian
service, and in attendance at Church
meetings.

Living the gospel in the home

We hope, for instance, that ei-
ther before or after your series of
Sunday meetings, depending upon
your particular consolidated meeting
schedule, you will do what the Sav-
ior asked the Nephite disciples to do:
After he taught them, he asked them
to go to their homes and to ponder
and to pray over what was said (see
3 Ne. 17:3). Let us keep that pattern
in mind.

We also said last year that we
have paused on some plateaus long
enough, and then we gave an empha-
sis to councils — family councils,
ward and stake councils, and on
through to area and Churchwide
councils.

If you continue to observe care-
fully, you will see how all these
developments are pointing us in one
direction. As a people, we are being
positioned to do more perfectly that
which the Lord has given us to do.

May we suggest that, in our de-
sire to enrich family life in the
Church and to provide more time for
Christian service, we make sure we

do not overlook the tens of thousands
of single Latter-day Saints who do
not live in a traditional Latter-day
Saint family setting. Please do not
neglect these wonderful brothers and
sisters.

A year ago it was also observed
that "our success . . . will largely be
determined by how faithfully we
focus on living the gospel in the
home" (Spencer W. Kimball, EN-
SIGN, May 1979, p. 83). That is
surely true and, in like manner, we
will be spiritually successful to the
degree that we are good neighbors
and good friends to those in the
household of faith and to our non-
member friends.

Genealogy and temple work

With the announcement just
made of the construction of seven
new temples, there begins the most
intensive period of temple building in
the history of the Church.

The building of these temples
must be accompanied by a strong
emphasis on genealogical research on
the part of all members of the
Church.

We feel an urgency for this
great work to be accomplished and
encourage members to accept this re-
sponsibility. Members do so by writ-
ing their personal and family
histories, participating in the name
extraction program when called to do
so, completing their four-generation
research, and then continuing their
family research in order to redeem
their kindred dead.

To assist and give encour-
agement to this important work, the
Genealogical Department, under the
direction of the First Presidency and
the Quorum of the Twelve, has orga-
nized another World Conference on
Records to be held in Salt Lake City
in August of this sesquicentennial
year. Experts in family history from
thirty countries will present four days

6

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

of seminars to an audience of partici-
pants from around the world. We en-
courage all who can to attend.

Progress in the Church

Brothers and sisters, we rejoice
in the fifteen decades of progress of
the Church. We want to keep faith
with that small but noble band of
souls who assembled in the Peter
Whitmer home 150 years ago for the
purpose of formally organizing the
Church. We can keep faith, in part,
by helping the Church to grow in
numbers and also in spirituality. We
can count our growing membership.
We can count the increasing numbers
of stakes. These numbers thrill us, as
they indicate the progress we are
making and remind us, likewise, that
we must achieve in even more major
ways in the years ahead.

We can also tell that we are
making progress by the attention we
get from the adversary. Do not falter
nor be distressed when others mis-
represent us, sometimes deliberately
and sometimes in ignorance. This has
been the lot of the Lord's people
from the beginning, and it will be no
different in our time.

Keep the faith

Brothers and sisters, pray for the
critics of the Church; love your
enemies. Keep the faith and stay on
the straight and narrow path. Use
wisdom and judgment in what you
say and do, so that we do not give
cause to others to hold the Church or
its people in disrepute. Do not be
surprised or dismayed if trials and
challenges come upon us. This work,
which Satan seeks in vain to tear

down, is that which God has placed
on earth to lift mankind up!

I have lived for more than half
the 150 years the restored Church has
been upon the earth in this last dis-
pensation. I have witnessed its mar-
velous growth until it now is
established in the four corners of the
earth. As the Prophet Joseph said:

"Our missionaries are going
forth to different nations, and in Ger-
many, Palestine, New Holland, Aus-
tralia, the East Indies, and other
places, the Standard of Truth has
been erected; no unhallowed hand
can stop the work from progressing;
persecutions may rage, mobs may
combine, armies may assemble, cal-
umny may defame, but the truth of
God will go forth boldly, nobly, and
independent, till it has penetrated
every continent, visited every clime,
swept every country, and sounded in
every ear, till the purposes of God
shall be accomplished, and the Great
Jehovah shall say the work is done"
(History of the Church, 4:540).

Let us, then, press on con-
fidently in the work of the Lord as
we look forward to the glorious years
of promise ahead. Through our faith-
fulness, all that God has promised
will be fulfilled. This is the work of
Lord. The gospel is true. Jesus is
the Christ and our Redeemer. May
the Lord bless us all as we begin this
great sesquicentennial conference of
his church, I humbly pray, in the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

We shall now hear from Elder
Thomas S. Monson, a member of the
Council of the Twelve Apostles.

ELDER THOMAS S. MONSON

7

Elder Thomas S. Monson

We welcome to their new re-
sponsibilities and opportunities Presi-
dent Dwan J. Young and her
counselors, Virginia B. Cannon and
Michaelene P. Grassli. Certainly
President Naomi Shumway and her
counselors, Colleen B. Lemmon and
Dorthea Lou C. Murdock, have
established an enviable record of ser-
vice on which to build.

Tribute to Primary leaders

Today I desire also to pay trib-
ute to another Primary leader— a
noble woman and personal friend. I
speak of LaVern W. Parmley, former
president of the Primary Association
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat-
ter-day Saints and former member of
the National Advisory Council, Boy
Scouts of America. Sister Parmley,
as she was affectionately addressed
by those who knew her, completed
her mission here on earth on Sunday,
27 January 1980. Her funeral ser-
vices followed a few days later,
where in word and song eulogies
were expressed and comfort extended
to those in attendance.

LaVern Parmley and Naomi
Shumway, together with their coun-
selors, gave freely of their time and
talents over a span of many years,
teaching little children to walk in the
light of the gospel of Christ. They
taught each child to sing with per-
sonal conviction:

I am a child of God, . . .

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday

("I Am a Child of God," Sing with
Me, B-76).

Teaching boys

Part of their great love was
teaching boys. Their inspired objec-
tive was to prepare them to receive
the Aaronic Priesthood and to walk
uprightly along the Scouting trail.

Under their direction, all eleven-
year-old boys were asked to commit
to memory the Articles of Faith of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints. You remember them.
May I mention just two:

"We believe in God, the Eternal
Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ,
and in the Holy Ghost" (A of F 1:1).

"We believe in being honest,
true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous,
and in doing good to all men; in-
deed, we may say that we follow the
admonition of Paul — We believe all
things, we hope all things, we have
endured many things, and hope to be
able to endure all things. If there is
anything virtuous, lovely, or of good
report or praiseworthy, we seek after
these things" (A of F 1:13).

Can you think of a more firm
foundation, a more basic philosophy
to guide a boy, than the Articles of
Faith? What a gift these noble
women imparted when they expected
each boy to know and indeed live by
such a standard. They personally ac-
cepted the divine injunction, "Feed
my sheep; feed my lambs" (see John
21:15-16).

John the Baptist

Some may inquire: What is the
significance of the Aaronic Priest-
hood for which such preparation
takes place? Is it all that important in
the life of a boy? The Priesthood of
Aaron "is an appendage to the . . .
Melchizedek Priesthood, and has
power in administering outward ordi-
nances" (D&C 107:14). John the

8

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

Baptist was a descendant of Aaron
and held the keys of the Aaronic
Priesthood. Perhaps we could review
the life and mission of John, so that
the importance of the Aaronic Priest-
hood might be more fully
appreciated.

Long years ago and distant
miles away, in the conquered country
of Palestine, a marvelous miracle oc-
curred. The setting was bleak, the
time one of tumult. In these, the
days of Herod, king of Judea, there
lived a priest named Zacharias and
his wife, Elisabeth. "They were . . .
righteous before God (Luke 1:6).
However, long years of yearning had
returned no reward — Zacharias and
Elisabeth remained childless.

Then came that day of days ever
to be remembered. There appeared to
Zacharias the angel Gabriel, who
proclaimed: "Fear not, Zacharias: for
thy prayer is heard; and thy wife
Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and
thou shalt call his name John.

"He shall be great in the sight
of the Lord" (Luke 1:13-15).

Elisabeth did conceive. In due
time a son was born, and according
to the angel's instruction he was
named John.

As with the Master, Jesus
Christ, so with the servant,
John — precious little is recorded of
their years of youth. A single sen-
tence contains all that we know of
John's history for a space of thirty
years — the entire period which
elapsed between his birth and his
walk into the wilderness to com-
mence his public ministry: "The
child grew, and waxed strong in
spirit, and was in the deserts till the
day of his shewing unto Israel"
(Luke 1:80).

His dress was that of the old
prophets — a garment woven of cam-
el's hair. His food was such as the
desert afforded — locusts and wild
honey. His message was brief. He

preached faith, repentance, baptism
by immersion, and the bestowal of
the Holy Ghost by an authority great-
er than that possessed by himself.

"I am not the Christ" (John
1:20), he told his band of faithful
disciples. "But I am sent before
him." "I indeed baptize you with
water . . . but one mightier than I
cometh. . . : he shall baptize you
with the Holy Ghost, and with fire
(see Matt. 3:11).

Baptism of Christ

Then there transpired the cli-
mactic scene of John's mission — the
baptism of Christ. Jesus came down
from Galilee expressly "to be bap-
tized" by John. Humbled of heart
and contrite in spirit, John pleaded,
"I have need to be baptized of thee,
and comest thou to me?" The Mas-
ter's reply: "It becometh us to fulfil
all righteousness." (See Matt. 3:13-
15.)

"And Jesus, when he was bap-
tized, went up straightway out of the
water: and, lo, the heavens were
opened unto him, and he saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove,
and lighting upon him:

"And lo a voice from heaven,
saying, This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased (Matt. 3:16-
17).

John's testimony that Jesus was
the redeemer of the world was de-
clared boldly. Without fear, and with
courage, John taught: "Behold the
Lamb of God, which taketh away the
sin of the world" (John 1:29).

Of John, the Savior later testi-
fied, "Among them that are born of
women there hath not risen a greater
than John the Baptist" (Matt. 11:11).

John's public ministry moved
toward its close. He had, at the be-
ginning of it, condemned the hypo-
crisy and worldliness of the Pharisees
and Sadducees; and he now had oc-
casion to denounce the lust of a king.

ELDER THOMAS S. MONSON

9

The result is well known. A king's
weakness and a woman's fury com-
bined to bring about the death of
John.

Restoration of Aaronic Priesthood

The tomb in which his body was
placed could not contain that body.
Nor could the act of murder still that
voice. To the world we declare that
at Harmony, Pennsylvania, on 15
May 1829, an angel, "who an-
nounced himself as John, the same
that is called John the Baptist in the
New Testament" (D&C 13, section
heading), came as a resurrected per-
sonage to Joseph Smith and Oliver
Cowdery. "The angelic visitant
averred that he was acting under the
direction of Peter, James, and John,
the ancient Apostles, who held the
keys of the higher Priesthood, which
was called the Priesthood of Mel-
chizedek" (D&C 13, section head-
ing). The Aaronic Priesthood was
restored to the earth.

"Ministering of angels"

Thanks to that memorable event,
I was given the privilege to bear the
Aaronic Priesthood, as have millions
of young men in these latter days. Its
true significance was taught me by
my former stake president, the late
Paul C. Child.

When I was approaching my
eighteenth birthday and preparing to
enter military service in World War
II, I was recommended to receive the
Melchizedek Priesthood. Mine was
the task of telephoning President
Child for an appointment and inter-
view. He was one who loved and
understood the holy scriptures. It was
his intent that all others should simi-
larly love and understand them.
Knowing from others of his rather
detailed and searching interviews,
our telephone conversation went
something like this:

"Hello, President Child. This is
Brother Monson. I have been asked
by the bishop to seek an interview
with you. "

"Fine, Brother Monson. When
can you visit me?"

Knowing that his sacrament
meeting time was six o'clock, and
desiring minimum exposure of my
scriptural knowledge to his review, I
suggested, "How would five o'clock
be?"

His response: "Oh, Brother
Monson, that would not provide us
sufficient time to peruse the scrip-
tures. Could you please come at two
o'clock, and. bring with you your
personally marked and referenced set
of scriptures."

Sunday finally arrived, and I
visited President Child's home on In-
diana Avenue. I was greeted warmly,
and then the interview began. He
said: "Brother Monson, you hold the
Aaronic Priesthood. Have you ever
had angels minister to you?"

My reply was: "No, President
Child."

"Do you know," said he, "that
you are entitled to such?"

Again came my response:
"No."

Then he instructed, "Brother
Monson, repeat from memory the
thirteenth section of the Doctrine and
Covenants. "

I began, "Upon you my fellow
servants, in the name of Messiah I
confer the Priesthood of Aaron,
which holds the keys of the min-
istering of angels ..." (D&C 13:1).

"Stop," President Child direct-
ed. Then in a calm, kindly tone he
counseled: "Brother Monson, never
forget that as a holder of the Aaronic
Priesthood you are entitled to the
ministering of angels." It was almost
as though an angel were in the room
that day. I have never forgotten the
interview. I yet feel the spirit of that
solemn occasion. I revere the priest-
hood of Almighty God. I have wit-

10

Saturday, April 5

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First Day

nessed its power. I have seen its
strength. I have marveled at the mir-
acles it has wrought.

Authority of Aaronic Priesthood

Almost thirty years ago I knew
a boy, even a priest, who held the
authority of the Aaronic Priesthood.
As the bishop, I was his quorum
president. This boy, Robert, stuttered
and stammered, void of control. Self-
conscious, shy, fearful of himself
and all others, he had an impediment
of speech which was devastating to
him. Never did he fulfill an assign-
ment; never would he look another in
the eye; always would he gaze down-
ward. Then one day, through a set of
unusual circumstances, he accepted
an assignment to perform the priestly
responsibility to baptize another.

I sat next to him in the baptistry
of this sacred tabernacle. He was
dressed in immaculate white, pre-
pared for the ordinance he was to
perform. I asked Robert how he felt.
He gazed at the floor and stuttered
almost incoherently that he felt
terrible.

We both prayed fervently that
he would be made equal to his task.
Then the clerk read the words:
"Nancy Ann Mc Arthur will now be
baptized by Robert Williams, a
priest." Robert left my side, stepped
into the font, took little Nancy by the
hand, and helped her into that water
which cleanses human lives and pro-
vides a spiritual rebirth. He then
gazed as though toward heaven and,
with his right arm to the square, re-
peated the words "Nancy Ann
McArthur, having been commis-
sioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you

in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (see
D&C 20:73). Not once did he stam-
mer. Not once did he stutter. Not
once did he falter. A modern miracle
had been witnessed.

In the dressing room, as I con-
gratulated Robert, I expected to hear
this same uninterrupted flow of
speech. I was wrong. He gazed
downward and stammered his reply
of gratitude.

To each of you this day, I testi-
fy that when Robert acted in the au-
thority of the Aaronic Priesthood, he
spoke with power, with conviction,
and with heavenly help.

Such is the legacy of one called
John, even John the Baptist. We hear
his voice today. It teaches humility;
it prompts courage; it inspires faith.

May we be motivated by his
message. May we be inspired by his
mission. May we be lifted by his life
to a full appreciation of the Aaronic
Priesthood and its divine power, I
pray, in the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.

Following Elder Monson's re-
marks, the Choir sang "Praise Ye the
Lord" without announcement.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder Thomas S. Monson, a
member of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, has just spoken to us. He
was followed by the Tabernacle Choir
singing "Praise Ye the Lord."

Elder David B. Haight, also a
member of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, will be our next speaker.

Elder David B. Haight

I pray for divine direction and an express the convictions of my soul
interest in your faith and prayers as I this morning.

ELDER DAVID B. HAIGHT

11

We are all so pleased to have
President Kimball here looking so
well and blessing us with his inspired
counsel and direction. The world
loves and honors our prophet, but the
Saints love him even more.

This is a glorious time of the
year, the newness of springtime — an
opportunity for each of us to re-
appraise our spiritual understanding
and commitment, to rejoice in the
glory of the resurrection of our Lord,
and to feel of his anxious love for all
mankind.

Lazarus resurrected

Probably nowhere did Jesus find
more needed rest and happier hours
than in Bethany in the quiet house of
that family whom, according to John,
he loved (see John 11:5). This small
village with this very special family
was just outside Jerusalem on the
eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.
The family evidently consisted of
Martha, Mary, and their brother, La-
zarus. This quiet village, though only
two miles from Jerusalem, was com-
pletely hidden from the bustle of the
crowds and must have fed the soul of
Jesus with love and peace. He must
have felt welcome to share this fam-
ily's hospitality. They not only fur-
nished comfort but listened in deep
conviction to his words.

While Jesus was about his min-
istry he received a solemn message
that he whom he loved was sick (see
John 11:3). Lazarus was Jesus' in-
timate personal friend outside the
circle of Apostles.

The scripture account tells us
Jesus did not leave at once in re-
sponse to the request because he was
occupied with his important work,
but he sent word that he would
come.

Four days later when Jesus ar-
rived at Bethany he stayed outside
the little village, the record tells us,

inasmuch as a large number of
people, including distinguished Jews,
had assembled to comfort and mourn
with Mary and Martha. The sisters
undoubtedly were disappointed in the
Savior's delay.

"Lord," said Martha, "if thou
hadst been here my brother had not
died" (John 11:21).

The Savior's brief reply un-
doubtedly brought comfort to Martha
and rings out in hope to all the
world: "Thy brother shall rise
again" (John 11:23).

Martha, we assume not thinking
it possible for her brother to be
awakened from the sleep of death,
answered, "I know that he shall rise
again in the resurrection at the last
day" (John 11:24).

Then "Jesus said unto her, I am
the resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were
dead, yet shall he live:

"And whosoever liveth and be-
lieveth in me shall never die. Believ-
est thou this?" (John 11:25-26).

Martha's deep faith supplied the
answer, "Yea, Lord: I believe that
thou art the Christ, the Son of God,
which should come into the world"
(John 11:27).

Martha, after having borne this
strong witness, found Mary, who,
hurrying to Jesus in agony as had
Martha, said, "Lord, if thou hadst
been here, my brother had not died"
(John 11:32).

These were his friends. These
must have been moments of tender
compassion for Jesus and, undoubt-
edly, of deep emotion and wonder-
ment for all who witnessed. Jesus
said, "Where have ye laid him?"
They said, "Lord, come and see"
(John 11:34).

His enemies, some of whom
were there, were asking whether he
who had opened the eyes of the blind
could not have saved his friend from
death. Jesus surely knew their

12

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

thoughts and would have heard their
comments as he viewed the crowd
with its hired mourners.

The burial tomb, typical of the
time, probably was a recess cut in
the rock with a stone over the en-
trance. Jesus asked that the stone be
removed. He stood at the entrance
and called, "Lazarus, come forth.

"And he that was dead came
forth" (John 11:43-44).

There were many witnesses to
this miracle who believed, but there
were others who would carry an
alarming story to the Sanhedrin at
Jerusalem.

Jesus is betrayed

As Jesus' fame grew, so grew
the opposition from the chief priests,
apprehensive that he would under-
mine the established order. And
Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the
twelve Apostles aside and said unto
them: "Behold, we go up to Jerusa-
lem; and the Son of Man shall be
betrayed unto the chief priest and
unto the scribes; and they shall deli-
ver him to the Gentiles to mock and
to scourge and to crucify him. On
the third day he shall rise again"
(see Mark 10:32-34).

In an upper room, Jesus and his
Apostles were together for the last
time. He taught them, saying, "Veri-
ly I say unto you, that one of you
shall betray me" (Matt. 26:21). As
they were eating, Jesus took bread
and blessed it and broke it and gave
it to his disciples, saying: "Take,
eat. This is my body which is given
for you: this do in remembrance of
me" (see Matt. 26:26; Luke 22:19).
After this manner also he took the
cup, saying, "This is my blood of
the new testament, which is shed for
many for the remission of sins," thus
establishing the pattern for the sacra-
ment as a sacred ordinance in his
church (Matt. -26:28).

In Gethsemane Jesus knelt in
prayer and poured out his soul. "O
my Father, if it be possible, let this
cup pass from me: nevertheless not
as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt.
26:39).

"And being in agony he prayed
more earnestly: and his sweat was
as . . . great drops of blood fall-
ing ... to the ground" (Luke
22:44).

The Crucifixion

Following his betrayal, and
when the morning was come, the
chief priests and his enemies took
counsel against Jesus to put him to
death, and they bound him and led
him to Pontius Pilate, the governor,
"and when he had scourged Jesus,
he delivered him to be crucified"
(see Matt. 27:1-2, 26).

He was taken to Calvary. At the
third hour, they crucified Jesus, and
with him they crucified two thieves
(see Mark 15:25, 27). "And there
was . . . darkness over all the earth
until the ninth hour.

"... and the veil of the temple
was rent in the midst" (Luke 23:44-
45).

Christ is resurrected

After three days, very early in
the morning on the first day of the
week, the women came to the sepul-
cher with spices to anoint the body
of Jesus. Instead, they were greeted
by a young man in a long white gar-
ment who announced: "He is not
here. He is risen" (see Luke 24:6).
Jesus showed himself first to Mary
Magdalene and afterward to the
Apostles.

For forty days after his resurrec-
tion, Jesus remained with his dis-
ciples to instruct them more in the
gospel. He told them, "Go ye into
all the world, and preach the gospel
to every creature" (Mark 16:15).

ELDER DAVID B. HAIGHT

13

And then "he led them out as
far as . . . Bethany, and he lifted up
his hands, and blessed them," and
"while he blessed them, he was part-
ed from them, and carried up into
heaven" (Luke 24:50-51).

And "while they looked sted-
fastly toward heaven as he went up,
behold, two men stood by them in
white apparel;

"Which . . . said, Ye men of
Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into
heaven? this same Jesus, which is
taken up from you into heaven, shall
so come in like manner as ye have
seen him go" (Acts 1:10-11).

Testimony of Christ's resurrection

We testify to all the world, as
did the Apostles of old, that this
same Jesus taken up into heaven as
men watched, will return — will re-
turn in power and great glory, attend-
ed by the hosts of heaven. At that
day "the glory of the Lord shall be
revealed, and all flesh shall see it
together" (Isa. 40:5). But prior to
that day, as foretold by the prophets,
there must be a restoration of all
things in the last days, the fulness of
the gospel with all its saving powers
to be returned to earth (see Acts
3:20-21).

We proclaim with knowledge
and power as witnesses of heavenly
events that the final great restoration
has taken place, that angelic min-
isters have been sent from heaven,
that God's voice has been heard de-
claring its truth, that the gift of the
Holy Ghost and the priesthood pow-
ers with blessings and promises have
again been given to man.

Organization of the Church

Tomorrow, the day selected to
remember the resurrection of our
Lord, is an occasion of additional joy
and humble thanksgiving. Not only
the organization of Christ's church

was reinstituted on that day 150
years ago, but the Lord has pro-
tected, sheltered, and prospered it
through these challenging years. God
has held it in the palm of his hand.

The Prophet Joseph Smith's ac-
count of the first organization meet-
ing is inspiring to read and
contemplate — the Whitmer home, the
opening prayer, approval to organize
the Church as commanded, Joseph
and Oliver Cowdery ordained elders,
the sacrament; and then all members
present were blessed with the gift of
the Holy Ghost. There was prophecy
and rejoicing. The events of that
April 6, 150 years ago, had been
directed by God. Members used their
full agency in consenting to the orga-
nization, and the Holy Ghost bore
witness to their souls that what was
done was acceptable to the Lord.

Then followed the trying and
dramatic events of Kirtland, Zion's
Camp march, Haun's Mill, Liberty
Jail, the expulsion from Nauvoo, the
tragedy at Carthage, Winter Quarters,
handcart brigades, and Johnston's
army— the testing of a people, the
trials of faith, but always the under-
girding faith and belief in our Savior
and his promise to Joseph, "If thou
endure it well, God shall exalt thee
on high; thou shalt triumph over all
thy foes" (D&C 121:8).

Now today in this peaceful val-
ley, in this historic tabernacle, we
witness the fruits of God's love and
promise to his people. We still sing
with emotion, "All is well, all is
well."

Tolstoy's view of Mormonism

The motivating force behind the
sustaining and vigorous growth of the
Church is that it is true. It is God's
plan. The gospel provides the only
way to a mortal life of happiness and
a joy forever.

Count Leo Tolstoy, Russian au-
thor and statesman, in conversation

14

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Firsl Day

with Andrew D. White, United
States foreign minister to Russia, in
1892 said, "I wish you would tell
me about your American religion."

"We have no state church in
America," replied Dr. White.

"I know that, but what about
your American religion?"

Dr. White explained to Tolstoy
that in America each person is free to
belong to the particular church in
which he is interested.

Tolstoy impatiently replied: "I
know all of this, but I want to know
about the American religion. . . .
The church to which I refer origi-
nated in America and is commonly
known as the Mormon Church. What
can you tell me of the teachings of
the Mormons?"

Dr. White said, "I know very
little concerning them."

Then Count Leo Tolstoy re-
buked the ambassador. "Dr. White, I
am greatly surprised and disappointed
that a man of your great learning and
position should be so ignorant on this
important subject. Their principles
teach the people not only of heaven
and its attendant glories, but how to
live so that their social arid economic
relations with each other are placed
on a sound basis. If the people fol-
low the teachings of this church,
nothing can stop their progress— it
will be limitless."

Tolstoy continued, "There have
been great movements started in the
past but they have died or been mod-
ified before they reached maturity. If

Mormonism is able to endure, un-
modified, until it reaches the third
and fourth generation, it is destined
to become the greatest power the
world has ever known" (see Im-
provement Era, Feb. 1939, p. 94).

Greatest power in the world

It is not only destined to become
but is the greatest power in the
world. I thank God for his revela-
tions to his prophets, past and
present, and for not leaving us alone.
I declare to you, my friends every-
where, my witness that God does
live, that he made us in his own
image, that he sent his divine Son,
our Savior, to show us the way. I
know that my Redeemer lives and
pray that his blessings and peace may
come to all men everywhere, in the
name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and
Savior, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

The Choir and congregation will
now join in singing "Redeemer of
Israel." Following the singing, Elder
James E. Faust, a member of the
Council of the Twelve Apostles, will
speak to us.

The Choir and congregation sang
the hymn "Redeemer of Israel."

Elder James E. Faust

At the Samoa area conference in
1976, President Spencer W. Kimball
said: "Often when we have press
conferences, the press asks us this
question: 'What is the greatest prob-
lem that your . . . Church has today?'
We answer that it is rapid growth. It

is very difficult to keep up with the
growth of the Church in many lands"
(in Conference Report, Samoa Area
Conference 1976, p. 9).

It has been 150 years since The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints was organized. Why does this

ELDER JAMES E. FAUST

15

Church continue to flourish and grow
so dramatically? In 1979 there were
almost two hundred thousand convert
baptisms in addition to the natural
growth of the Church. What dis-
tinguishes The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints from all
others? We believe that we can an-
swer this question more correctly
than anyone else.

Several characteristics are pecul-
iar to our faith. Among them is its
organization with prophets and
Apostles, who Paul said are the foun-
dation of the Church (see Eph. 2:20);
the First Quorum of the Seventy,
also the great order of lay priesthood
leadership, the missionary system,
the welfare program, the temples, the
genealogical effort, and many other
distinguishing features.

Gift of the Holy Ghost

There is, however, another rea-
son for our growth, which transcends
all others. Of an interview in 1839
between the Prophet Joseph Smith
and Martin Van Buren, then presi-
dent of the United States, the follow-
ing was reported:

"In our interview with the
President, he interrogated us wherein
we differed in our religion from the
other religions of the day. Brother
Joseph said we differed in mode of
baptism, and the gift of the Holy
Ghost by the laying on of hands. We
considered that all other consid-
erations were contained in the gift of
the Holy Ghost" {History of the
Church, 4:42).

One of the reasons the Prophet's
response was so inspired is that the
right to enjoy the marvelous gifts of
the Holy Ghost is conferred upon
every member of this Church soon
after baptism. This is in fulfillment
of the promise of the Savior: "And I
will pray the Father, and he shall
give you another Comforter, that he

may abide with you for ever" (John
14:16).

This powerful gift entitles the
leaders and all worthy members of
the Church to enjoy the gifts and
companionship of the Holy Ghost, a
member of the Godhead whose func-
tion is to inspire, reveal, and teach
"all things" (see John 14:26). The
result of this endowment is that for
150 years the leadership and mem-
bership of this church have enjoyed,
and now enjoy, continuous revelation
and inspiration directing them in
what is right and good.

Divine direction

Inspiration and revelation are so
common, so widespread, so universal
among the leaders and faithful mem-
bers of this church that there is a
strong spiritual base underlying what
is done. This can be found in the
gatherings, both large and small.

Why does this church grow and
flourish? It does so because of divine
direction to the leaders and members.
This began in our day when God the
Father and Jesus Christ appeared to
Joseph Smith early in the spring of
1820. However, we claim that God's
inspiration is not limited to the mem-
bers of this church. The First Presi-
dency has stated:

"The great religious leaders of
the world such as Mohammed, Con-
fucius, and the Reformers, as well as
philosophers including Socrates,
Plato, and others, received a portion
of God's light. Moral truths were
given to them by God to enlighten
whole nations and to bring a higher
level of understanding to
individuals. . . .

"We believe that God has given
and will give to all peoples sufficient
knowledge to help them on their way
to eternal salvation" {Statement of
the First Presidency regarding God' s
Love for All Mankind, 15 Feb.
1978).

16

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

Personal revelation

We declare in all solemnity,
however, that we know salvation in
the world to come is dependent upon
accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ
as taught in The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. One fac-
tor in salvation is personal revelation.
Joseph Smith said: '"No man can re-
ceive the Holy Ghost without receiv-
ing revelations. The Holy Ghost is a
revelator" (History of the Church,
6:58).

Latter-day Saints, having re-
ceived the gift of the Holy Ghost by
the laying on of hands, are entitled to
personal inspiration in the small
events of life as well as when they
are confronted with the giant
Goliaths of life.

David and Goliath

David, the youngest son of
Jesse, a mere, stouthearted shepherd
boy, volunteered to fight the giant
Goliath. David and all of the army of
Israel were insulted by the humili-
ating taunts of this formidable giant,
but David knew that inspiration had
brought him to save Israel. King Saul
was so impressed with the faith and
determination of this young boy that
he appointed David to fight Goliath.

Goliath made sport of David's
youth and lack of armament. David
responded that he came in the name
of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the
armies of Israel, and that the whole
assembly would learn that the Lord
saveth not by the sword and the
spear, "for the battle is the Lord's"
(1 Sam. 17:47). Then David threw a
rock from his sling with such force
and accuracy that the stone sank deep
into the forehead of Goliath. Goliath
fell to the earth a dying man, and the
Philistines fled in fear.

God speaks today

What has happened to David's
living God? It is the greatest insult to

reason to suggest that God, who
spoke so freely to the prophets of the
Old Testament including Abraham,
Moses, Isaiah, and the other
prophets, now stands mute, un-
communicative, and silent.

We may well ask. Does God
love us less than those led by the
ancient prophets? Do we need his
guidance and instruction less? Reason
suggests that this cannot be. Does he
not care? Has he lost his voice? Has
he gone on a permanent vacation?
Does he sleep? The unreasonableness
of each of these proposals is self-
evident.

As the Savior taught in the
synagogue at Capernaum, he pro-
claimed his divinity in no uncertain
terms. Following this, John states:

"From that time many of his
disciples went back, and walked no
more with him.

"Then said Jesus unto the
twelve, Will ye also go away?

"Then Simon Peter answered
him, Lord, to whom shall we go?
thou hast the words of eternal life.

"And we believe and are sure
that thou art that Christ, the Son of
the living God" (John 6:66-69).

We acknowledge and testify that
the same witness of Christ's divinity
as received by Peter is also our sa-
cred knowledge.

Promptings of the Spirit

Personal revelation comes as a
testimony of truth and as guidance in
spiritual and temporal matters. Mem-
bers of the Church know that the
promptings of the Spirit may be re-
ceived upon all facets of life, includ-
ing daily, ongoing decisions (see
D&C 42:61). How could anyone
think of making an important deci-
sion such as "Who is to be my com-
panion?", "What is my work to
be?", "Where will I live?", and
"How will I live?" without seeking
the inspiration of Almighty God.

ELDER JAMES E. FAUST

17

Many faithful Latter-day Saints
have been warned by the Spirit to
prevent injury or death. Among these
was President Wilford Woodruff,
who said:

"When I got back to Winter
Quarters from the pioneer journey
[1847], President Young said to me,
'Brother Woodruff, I want you to
take your wife and children and go to
Boston and stay there until you can
gather every Saint of God in New
England and Canada and send them
up to Zion. '

"I did as he told me. It took me
two years to gather up everybody,
and I brought up the rear with a
company (there were about one hun-
dred of them). We arrived at Pitts-
burgh one day at sundown. We did
not want to stay there, so I went to
the first steamboat that was going to
leave. I saw the captain and engaged
passage for us on that steamer. I had
only just done so when the spirit said
to me, and that, too, very strongly,
'Don't go aboard that steamer, nor
your company.' Of course, I went
and spoke to the captain, and told
him I had made up my mind to wait.

"Well, that ship started, and
had only got five miles down the
river when it took fire, and three
hundred persons were burned to
death or drowned. If I had not
obeyed that spirit, and had gone on
that steamer with the rest of the com-
pany, you can see what the result
would have been" (Discourses of Wil-
ford Woodruff, sel. G. Homer Dur-
ham, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1946, pp. 294-95).

Guidelines for receiving inspiration

There are some guidelines and
rules necessary for one to be the re-
cipient of revelation and inspiration;
they include (1) to try honestly and
sincerely to keep God's command-
ments, (2) to be spiritually attuned as
a receiver of a divine message, (3) to

ask in humble, fervent prayer, and
(4) to seek with unwavering faith.

I testify that inspiration can be
the spring of every person's hope,
guidance, and strength. It is one of
the magnificent treasures of life. It
involves coming to the infinite
knowledge of God.

How do revelation and in-
spiration operate? Each person has a
built-in "receiving set" which, when
fine-tuned, can be a receiver of
divine communications. Said Job,
"There is a spirit in man: and . . .
the Almighty giveth them under-
standing" (Job 32:8). It is possible,
like Nephi, to be led completely by
the Spirit, "not knowing before-
hand" that which should be done
(see 1 Ne. 4:6).

How is inspiration received?
Enos stated, "And while I was thus
struggling in the spirit, behold, the
voice of the Lord came into my
mind" (Enos 1:10). One does not
necessarily hear an audible voice.
The spirit of revelation comes by
divine confirmation. "I will tell you
in your mind and in your heart, by
the Holy Ghost, which shall come
upon you and which shall dwell in
your heart," says the Lord in the
Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 8:2).

Still, small voice

How was the voice of the Lord
heard by Elijah the Tishbite? It was
not the "strong wind [which] rent the
mountains, and brake in pieces the
rocks," nor "after the wind an earth-
quake," nor "after the earthquake a
fire." It was "a still small voice"
(see 1 Kgs. 19:11-12).

It is the inner voice of the
Spirit, which has the capacity to
whisper through and pierce all things
(see D&C 85:6). Helaman says, "It
was not a voice of thunder, neither
was it a voice of a great tumultuous
noise, but behold, it was a still voice
of perfect mildness, as if it had been

18

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

a whisper, and it did pierce even to
the very soul" (Hel. 5:30).

Thus the Lord, by revelation,
brings inspiration into one's mind as
though a voice were speaking. Elder
Harold B. Lee gave this testimony:

"I have a believing heart be-
cause of a simple testimony that
came when I was a child, I think
maybe I was around ten — maybe
eleven — years of age. I was with my
father out on a farm away from our
home, trying to spend the day busy-
ing myself until father was ready to
go home. Over the fence from our
place were some tumbledown sheds
which had attracted a curious boy,
adventurous as I was. I started to
climb through the fence and I heard a
voice as clearly as you are hearing
mine— 'Don't go over there!' calling
me by name. I turned to look at
father to see if he were talking to
me, but he was way up at the other
end of the field. There was no person
in sight. I realized then, as a child,
that there were persons beyond my
sight and I had heard a voice. And
when I had heard and read these sto-
ries of the Prophet Joseph Smith, I,
too, know what it means to hear a
voice because I've heard from an un-
seen speaker" (Divine Revelation,
Brigham Young University Speeches
of the Year, Provo, 15 Oct. 1952, p.
6).

Revelation for Church comes
through the prophet

Although every faithful member
of the Church is entitled to receive
personal revelation, there is only one
man upon the earth who receives
revelation for the whole Church.

Beginning with Joseph Smith,
the Prophet of the Restoration, there
have been living oracles of God de-
signated to communicate minute by
minute, day by day, and hour by
hour, as needed, to the leaders of the
Church.

President Wilford Woodruff,
fourth president of the Church, said:
"The Church of God could not live
twenty-four hours without revelation
(Discourses of Wilford Woodruff p.
61).

Roy W. Doxey reminds us:

"Every day men and women
come, by revelation, to understand
the basic truth that God has restored
his gospel and church.

"Every day leaders of the
Church are led by revelation to con-
duct the affairs of the Church, gen-
eral and local, throughout the world.

"Every day Latter-day Saint
missionaries are impressed by the
spirit of revelation to bear witness, to
know what to say, to know what to
do, and to teach by the spirit of
revelation.

"Every day the mind and will
of the Lord as revealed in the stan-
dard works of the Church are illumi-
nated in the minds of Latter-day
Saints by the spirit of revelation.

"Every day faith is increased in
the hearts of the faithful by evidences
of revelation in their lives — in deci-
sions regarding marriage, vocations,
home concerns, business ventures,
lesson preparations, danger sig-
nals—in fact, in all facets of life.

"Every Latter-day Saint may
know by the spirit of revelation that
President Joseph Fielding Smith
spoke the truth when he said:

" 'The Lord not only blesses
the men who stand at the head and
hold the keys of the kindgom, but he
also blesses every faithful individual
with the spirit of inspiration.' (Doc-
trines of Salvation, 1:281-282.)"
(Walk with the Lord, Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Company, 1973, pp.
173-74).

On 1 June 1978 one of the
greatest revelations ever received in
the history of the world came to
mankind. It was revealed that all
worthy brethren in the Church, re-
gardless of color or race, could re-
ceive the priesthood.

PRESIDENT N. ELDON TANNER

19

President Kimball receives
revelation

Who is the prophet of the world
today? I testify that the prophet upon
the face of the earth today is Presi-
dent Spencer W. Kimball.

We desire our friends to know
that every devoted person of any
faith, anywhere in the world, who is
obedient and righteous and who sin-
cerely prays may receive answers and
inspiration from God.

We are certain that salvation in
God's presence requires acceptance
of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. We bear solemn witness that
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints is God's church upon the
earth.

Why has this Church grown so
dramatically over these 150 years?
Why does it continue to grow at an
ever-increasing pace? It does so in
large measure because of divine reve-
lation and inspiration.

I pray that we may so live as to
enjoy the companionship of the Holy

Ghost, for the Holy Ghost, under the
direction of Almighty God, has led
this people and its leaders for 150
years since its restoration from its
humble beginnings to the great spiri-
tual force it is today. This is my
prayer and testimony which I leave
in the sacred and holy name of the
Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Following Elder Faust's address,
the Choir sang "Song of Praise" and
"Turn Back O Man" without
announcement.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder James E. Faust, a member
of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, has just spoken to us, fol-
lowed by the Tabernacle Choir sing-
ing "Song of Praise" and "Turn
Back O Man."

President N. Eldon Tanner

During my many years of service
as a Church official I have been asked
by brides- or grooms-to-be if I would
perform their marriage ceremony.
This I have always been pleased to do
when possible, and so I have united in
the holy bonds of matrimony many
couples — some civil marriages for
this life only before I become a Gen-
eral Authority of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, and some
marriages in the temple of God for
time and for all eternity. I shall com-
ment later on the difference.

I suppose one of the happiest
times in a person's life is when con-
templating marriage— particularly if
the person feels that the choice of
mate is the one and only. It is safe to

assume that at the time of marriage
most couples are sure they are mak-
ing the right choices; but all too of-
ten the honeymoon ends, and trouble
begins, and the marriage terminates
in divorce.

Purpose of earth's creation

The frequency of divorce has
led some to a life-style where they
feel inclined to escape from the
seemingly meaningless rituals, with-
out benefit of clergy or other legal
sanctions. I often wonder how well-
informed they are about the purpose
of the creation of the earth on which
they dwell, and how fully they have
researched the scriptures to learn why

20

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

God created man and woman and in-
stituted the sacred ordinance of
marriage.

Let us consider first the purpose
of the creation of the earth. The
scriptures make it clear that it Was
for no other purpose than to provide
a place for the sons and daughters of
God to dwell in mortality and prove
themselves worthy, through keeping
the commandments, to return to the
presence of God from whence they
came.

Following the creation of the
earth, "God said, Let us make man
in our image, after our likeness. . . .

"So God created man in his
own image, in the image of God cre-
ated he him; male and female created
he them.

"And God blessed them, and
God said unto them, Be fruitful, and
multiply, and replenish the earth, and
subdue it" (Gen. 1:26-28).

When God created woman and
brought her to the man, he said:

"Therefore shall a man leave
his father and his mother, and shall
cleave unto his wife: and they shall
be one flesh" (Gen. 2:24).

Marriage ordained of God

Yes, marriage is ordained of
God, and following that first refer-
ence to husband and wife, we find
recurring scriptures as evidence that
men and women became husbands
and wives in marriage ceremonies
followed by wedding feasts. We are
not here just to "eat, drink, and be
merry" (2 Ne. 28:7). We have been
given an earth to subdue, and in-
structions to multiply and replenish
it. It is interesting to note that God
said "multiply" and not just "repl-
enish" the earth (see Gen. 1:28).

Eternal marriage

It is important for us to under-

stand, as we can learn from the
scriptures, that God is eternal, that
his creations are eternal, and that his
truths are eternal. Therefore, when
he gave Eve to Adam in marriage,
that union would be eternal. Mar-
riage as ordained of God and per-
formed in his holy temples is
eternal— not just until death. In Ec-
clesiastes we read:

"I know that, whatsoever God
doeth, it shall be for ever" (Eccl.
3:14).

When Christ asked Peter to tell
him who he was, Peter answered,
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living God." Jesus gave Peter the
assurance that he knew this by reve-
lation from God the Father, and that
it would be upon this rock of revela-
tion that he would build his church.
Then he said, "I will give unto thee
the keys of the kingdom of heaven:
and whatsoever thou shalt bind on
earth shall be bound in heaven; and
whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth
shall be loosed in heaven" (see Matt.
16:15-19).

When the Pharisees came to
Jesus, tempting him, to ask about di-
vorce, his answer included the fol-
lowing: "Have ye not read, that he
which made them at the beginning
made them male and female,

"And said, For this cause shall
a man leave father and mother, and
shall cleave to his wife: and they
twain shall be one flesh?

"Wherefore they are no more
twain, but one flesh. What therefore
God hath joined together, let not man
put asunder" (Matt. 19:4-6).

These scriptures indicate that ce-
lestial marriage, ordained by God
and performed by his authority in his
holy temples, is eternal, and couples
so united are sealed for time and all
eternity, and their children are born
in the covenant of the everlasting
gospel. They will be an eternal fam-
ily according to their faithfulness.

PRESIDENT N. ELDON TANNER

21

Preparation for celestial marriage

How does one prepare for such
a marriage? All young people should
consider very carefully and pray-
erfully the kind of mate they would
like to have for eternity and for the
father or mother of their children.
Parents have a responsibility to teach
their children the importance of keep-
ing themselves clean and pure, with
high moral standards, so they will be
worthy of the kind of men and
women with whom they want to as-
sociate and marry. Someone has said
that a man breeding livestock is very
careful about what he allows in the
pasture with his prize animals, but he
lets his son or daughter go with any-
one without checking on their
credentials.

Another example is given of a
man whose daughter came to him
one evening and said, "Dad, may I
use the car tonight?"

He replied, "It isn't here. "

"What do you mean, 'It isn't
here.' Where is it?"

"I don't know. I let a man bor-
row it."

"Well, who is he?"

"I don't know. "

"I don't understand. When will
he bring it back? ' '

The father then explained,
saying, "You seem to be quite con-
cerned about my car, and yet you
don't seem to appreciate my wanting
to know about your dates— with
whom and where you are going and
when you will come back. I have far
more interest in you and your welfare
than in my automobile, and I hope
you can understand now why I ask
you those questions."

Children should understand and
be made to feel the love and concern
their parents have for them. If the
proper relationship exists they will
willingly confide their plans and be
happy to have their friends and par-
ents meet.

Selecting a marriage partner

When young people come to me
for advice about courtship and mar-
riage I usually suggest that they ask
themselves the following questions:

What kind of mother or father
do I want my children to have?

What kind of parent am I pre-
pared to be?

Do I want to associate with
someone because of his or her popu-
larity only, or do I look deeper for
spiritual and moral qualities?

Am I analyzing our similarities
and differences in background, cul-
ture, and intellect?

Am I prepared to adjust to these
differences?

Do I realize that such adjust-
ments need to be made before
marriage?

These considerations will cer-
tainly help in making a proper choice
for a companion with whom one is
prepared to spend eternity. Then after
the marriage there are many responsi-
bilities that cannot be taken lightly;
but with each contracting party as-
suming his or her full share of the
responsibility, there is nothing in this
life that will bring greater satisfaction
and happiness.

Four specifics for establishing a
happy home

As I have performed marriage
ceremonies for young couples, I have
talked with them about their future
and the things that will go into build-
ing an increase of love for one anoth-
er and into the establishment of a
happy home. There are four specific
things, among others, which I always
include.

First, I remind them to keep the
covenants which they make as they
are married.

Second, addressing myself to
the young man, I tell him to make
her happy. If he will do all he can to

22

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

make her happy, she cannot help but
want to reciprocate and do everything
she can for his comfort and welfare.

Third, I stress the importance of
clearing up any misunderstandings
they may have. I remind them that it
does not matter who is right, but
what is right. They should never re-
tire at night with any differences be-
tween them. As they kneel together
in prayer and ask the Lord to bless
them and help them overcome their
difficulties, the sweet spirit of for-
giveness will come into their hearts,
and they will forgive one another as
they ask the Lord to forgive them.

Fourth, and very important, I re-
mind them to continue to love one
another.

I tell them too that marriage is
not a fifty-fifty proposition. Each
must go the extra mile so there is no
contention about the halfway mark.
They must keep private matters con-
fidential, and I advise them to solve
their own problems without inter-
ference from family or friends.

Sometimes young people do not
have the patience to wait for material
comforts and luxuries which they
may not be able to afford. Wanting
too much too soon can be a hardship
on both husband and wife, and finan-
cial burdens brought on by careless
management are often a source of
contention. It is far more important
to build an atmosphere of love and
harmony and spirituality in the home
than to concentrate on material pos-
sessions which can be accumulated in
time as financial ability permits.

Importance of children

Into this happy home and pleas-
ant atmosphere will eventually come
the children for which the marriage
was consummated, and who will add
immeasurably to the joy and fulfill-
ment which God the Father intended
when he instructed Adam and Eve to
multiply and replenish the earth.

When parents understand the purpose
of their existence, that they are liter-
ally the spiritual offspring of their
Father in Heaven and that they have
a responsibility to provide mortal
bodies for others, then they rejoice in
the miracle of birth as they realize
they are copartners with God in the
creation of each child who comes
into that home.

In keeping with the revelations
on this subject, one of our early lead-
ers, the late Melvin J. Ballard, said
this:

"There is a passage in our
Scriptures which the Latter-day
Saints accept as divine: 'This is the
glory of God — to bring to pass the
immortality and eternal life of man'
[see Moses 1:39]. Likewise we could
say that this is the glory of men and
women— to bring to pass the morta-
lity of the sons and daughters of
God, to give earth-life to the waiting
children of our Father. . . . The
greatest mission of woman is to give
life, earth-life, through honorable
marriage, to the waiting spirits, our
Father's spirit children who anxiously
desire to come to dwell here in this
mortal state. All the honor and glory
that can come to men or women by
the development of their talents, the
homage and the praise they may re-
ceive from an applauding world,
worshipping at their shrine of genius,
is but a dim thing whose luster shall
fade in comparison to the high hon-
or, the eternal glory, the ever-endur-
ing happiness that shall come to the
woman who fulfils the first great
duty and mission that devolves upon
her to become the mother of the sons
and daughters of God" (Sermons and
Missionary Services, Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Company, 1949, pp.
203-4, italics added).

Birth control

We reaffirm today what U.S.
president Theodore Roosevelt said in
1917:

PRESIDENT N. ELDON TANNER

23

"What this nation vitally needs
is not the negative preaching of birth
control to a submerged tenth, and the
tenth immediately adjoining, but the
positive preaching of birth encour-
agement to the eight-tenths who
make up the capable self-respecting
American stock which we wish to
see perpetuate itself" (Metropolitan,
Oct. 1917).

There are various arguments for
curtailing the birth of children or the
size of families, but they are contrary
to the laws of God. Our early citi-
zens who were patriotic and God-
fearing, and in many instances lacked
for material possessions, believed in
large families; and from that stock
came some of our greatest statesmen
and finest lawyers, scientists, and
educators. They were self-made men
reared in humble homes where spiri-
tuality abounded.

Love expressed through actions

The happy home is one where
the family lives together, works to-
gether, plays together, and prays to-
gether; where the parents show love
and courtesy and demonstrate it to
each other. Love is expressed often
through actions and by the spoken
word. We should not be like the
Scotsman who, at the death of his
wife, was receiving expressions of
sympathy from his friends. One
neighbor commented on what a fine
person she was. Jock replied, "Aye,
she was a good woman, and I came
near telling her so once or twice. "

In a recent publication of a
small pamphlet called Family Mat-
ters, the opening sentence was,
"Will your family survive the '80s
intact?" It mentions economic condi-
tions and inflation, then says:

"Inflation isn't the biggest con-
cern for many. . . . Moral decay will
be the key threat to family life in the
'80s. That's what a majority of your
neighbors told Better Homes and

Gardens in a survey with a huge re-
sponse. They blame inattentive par-
ents and lack of a spiritual
foundation.

"Today's trends give a parent
much to be concerned about." The
article goes on to list shocking statis-
tics on divorce, teenage pregnancies,
use of drugs and alcohol. Then the
question is asked, "What can be
done to help children live happy, ful-
filling lives?" Dr. Paul Glick, the
Census Bureau's chief demographer,
gives this answer:

"Caring, attentive parents give
children their best start in life.
There's no real alternative for their
optimum growth" (American Family
Society, vol. 4, no. 1).

Dr. Sydney Harris, in a recent
syndicated newspaper column,
reached the same conclusion. He said
people asked him why he didn't
write about the energy crisis, and he
responded that he didn't have enough
solid facts to make a judgment about
that subject. He went on to say that
he also felt it was not important
enough, because mankind can solve
its technical problems, but what con-
cerned him was the greater problem,
we have which is moral, not techni-
cal. He concluded by saying that if
we fail as a species it will have noth-
ing to do with energy or any other
technological obstacle, but with the
way we regard ourselves and others
as threats and enemies rather than as
members of the same family. He said
that until we know who we are and
what we are supposed to do, all our
other knowledge cannot save us.

Gospel plan of life and salvation

Jesus Christ came to earth to
give us that very message — who we
are and what we are supposed to do.
He gave us the gospel plan of life
and salvation and said there was no
other name under heaven whereby
we could be saved (see Acts 4:12).

24

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

We have that same gospel restored in
these latter days, with the living
prophet today, even Spencer W.
Kimball, to speak for God, as has
been God's method of communica-
tion with man through the ages. The
answers to all life's problems are to
be found in the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Continuous revelation keeps
us advised on current problems.

To strengthen the weakening
family structure, the Church has in-
stituted the family home evening pro-
gram, where at least one night each
week the entire family meets together
to solve problems, enjoy recreation,
and learn to better know and love
one another. Here is opportunity for
the parents to lead out as examples
of love, kindness, courtesy, and sup-
port as father and mother together
take their places as patriarch and
matriarch of the family. In such a
home are taught the moral principles
and other virtues which will help
those family members to be the fu-
ture leaders of their communities and
countries.

From such homes come children
who will eventually establish their
own homes founded on righteousness
and morality. They will enter into
their marriage covenants in purity of
body and mind, so they too can be
examples of virtue to their own
posterity. ^

Making home heaven on earth

I conclude by reading from a
letter I received from a convert to the
Church who, after the required wait-
ing period, took his family to the
holy temple of God for a sealing or-
dinance. He wrote:

"We love this church and we
love the Lord and our Heavenly
Father. We were on the verge of a
total family failure when some of our
LDS friends here began to work with
us.

"Even now as I sit here and
think back to Saturday, I have to be
amazed at the way the Church has
changed our lives, from almost total
family loss to an eternal family! . . .

"Nothing can compare to seeing
my wife and child dressed in white,
with a radiant glow around them, and
feeling the very Spirit of God whis-
per in my ear, 'John, they're yours
for all time and all eternity.' "

I know that through the gospel
of Jesus Christ, and through keeping
the commandments of God and the
covenants we make with him, we can
each make of our home a heaven on
earth while we prepare ourselves and
our children to return to our Heav-
enly Father. I bear testimony to the
truthfulness of the things I have said
this day, and I do it in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

We are grateful to the managers
and operators of the many television
and radio stations for offering their
facilities as a public service to bring
the proceedings of this conference to
a large audience throughout many
areas of the world.

We shall conclude this session of
the conference with the Tabernacle
Choir singing "Lead Me into Life
Eternal." Following the singing, the
benediction will be offered by Elder
Robert E. Wells, a member of the
First Quorum of the Seventy and
Executive Administrator of the
Argentina-Uruguay-Paraguay Area.

This conference will then be
adjourned until two o'clock this
afternoon.

The Choir sang "Lead Me into
Life Eternal. "

The benediction was pronounced
by Elder Robert E. Wells.

25

FIRST DAY
AFTERNOON MEETING

SECOND SESSION

The second session of the 150th
Annual Conference began at 2:00 P.M.
on Saturday, April 5, 1980.

It was conducted by President N.
Eldon Tanner.

Music for this session was pro-
vided by a Relief Society choir com-
prised of sisters from the Centerville,
Syracuse, Layton, and Kaysville
regions, under the direction of Sister
Beverly J. Pond with Robert Cundick
at the organ.

At the beginning of the meeting,
President N. Eldon Tanner, who con-
ducted the session, made the follow-
ing remarks:

President N. Eldon Tanner

President Spencer W. Kimball,
who is en route to New York for the
dedication of the Fayette Chapel,
which will take place tomorrow morn-
ing, has asked me to conduct this
session. This chapel, incidentally, is
located near the site of the rebuilt
Peter Whitmer, Sr., farmhouse where
the Church was organized 150 years
ago tomorrow.

We welcome all assembled in the
historic Tabernacle on Temple Square
in this, the second session, of the
150th Annual Conference of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. We also welcome the many
members and friends of the Church
tuned to these proceedings by radio
and television. We note that there is
an overflow congregation in the Salt
Palace where Elders Joseph B.
Wirthlin and Vaughn J. Featherstone
preside.

We are pleased to acknowledge
special guests present this after-
noon — government and educational

leaders, as well as Regional Repre-
sentatives, stake and temple presiden-
cies, patriarchs, bishops, and officers
and members of the general boards
and committees.

The proceedings of this confer-
ence will be carried extensively in the
United States and Canada over many
television and radio stations, originat-
ing with KSL in Salt Lake City.

Through satellite transmission,
sessions of this conference will be
heard over radio in countries of Cen-
tral and South America, Mexico,
Australia, Spain, and Taiwan; and,
for the first time, seen on television in
the Philippines.

We express our appreciation to
the owners and operators of the radio
and television stations for their coop-
eration in making such an extensive
coverage of this conference possible.

The general priesthood meeting
to be held this evening will be trans-
mitted over closed circuit from the
Salt Lake Tabernacle to men of the
priesthood assembled in approx-
imately 1,924 buildings throughout
the United States, Canada, Puerto
Rico, New Zealand, Australia, the
Philippines, Korea, and, for the first
time, the Dominican Republic; and by
way of closed-circuit television to the
Salt Palace, and to stake buildings in
Salt Lake City and on the Brigham
Young University campus.

The music this afternoon will be
provided by the Relief Society choir
from the Centerville, Syracuse, Lay-
ton, and Kaysville regions, under the
direction of Sister Beverly J. Pond
with Robert Cundick at the organ.

The choir will begin this service
by singing "An Angel from on
High. " The invocation will be offered
by Elder Franklin D. Richards, a

26

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

member of the Presidency of the First
Quorum of the Seventy.

The hymn "An Angel from on
High" was rendered by the choir.

Elder Franklin D. Richards
offered the invocation.

President Tanner

The choir will now sing "He Is
Not Here."

The Choir sang
Here."

'He Is Not

President Tanner

will

Elder Wilford G. Edling
now read the auditor's report.

Afterward, Elder Francis M.
Gibbons will present the statistical
report of the Church for the year
1079.

Auditor's Report 1979

Elder Wilford G. Edling

We have reviewed the annual
financial report of the Church as of
December 31, 1979, and the oper-
ations for the year then ended.
Financial statements and operations
reviewed by the committee include
the general funds of the Church and
other controlled organizations, the ac-
counts of which are maintained by the
Financial Department of the Church.
We have also examined the bud-
geting, accounting, and auditing pro-
cedures employed, and the manner in
which funds are received and
expenditures are controlled. We
determined that expenditures of gen-
eral Church funds were authorized by
the First Presidency and by budgetary
procedures. The budget is authorized
by the Council on Disposition of the
Tithes, comprised of the First Presi-
dency, the Council of the Twelve,
and the Presiding Bishopric. The
Committee on Expenditures, in weekly
meetings, administers the expenditure
of funds under the budget.

Modern accounting technology
and equipment are employed by the
Financial Department and other de-
partments in keeping abreast of rapid

Church expansion and changing
methods of electronic data process-
ing. The Finance Committee and the
Law Department are conjointly giv-
ing continuous attention to matters
relating to taxation of churches by
the federal government, by states,
and foreign governments.

The Auditing Department,
which is independent of all other de-
partments, functions in the three-fold
capacity of performing financial au-
dits, operational audits, and audits of
the computer systems employed by
the Church. These services are con-
ducted on a continuous basis and in-
clude all Church departments, other
Church-controlled organizatons (the
accounts of which are maintained in
the Financial Department of the
Church), and worldwide operations
including missions, financial centers,
and departmental activities conducted
in foreign lands. The extent and
scope of the Auditing Department in
safeguarding the resources of the
Church are increasing commensurate
with the growth and widening activi-
ties of the Church. The audit of local
funds of wards and stakes is assigned
to stake auditors. Incorporated busi-
nesses owned or controlled by the

STATISTICAL REPORT 1979

27

Church, for which accounts are not
maintained in the Financial Depart-
ment, are audited by professional au-
diting firms or by governmental
regulatory agencies.

Based on our review of the an-
nual financial report and other ac-
counting data, and our study of the
accounting and auditing methods by
which financial operations are con-
trolled, together with continuing dis-
cussions with personnel of the
Financial, Auditing, and Law depart-
ments, we are of the opinion that the

general funds of the Church received
and expended during the year 1979
have been properly accounted for in
accordance with established pro-
cedures as outlined herein.

Respectfully submitted,
CHURCH FINANCE
COMMITTEE
Wilford G. Edling
Harold H. Bennett
Weston E. Hamilton
David M. Kennedy
Warren E. Pugh

Statistical Report 1979

Elder Francis M. Gibbons

For the information of the mem-
bers of the Church, the First Presi-
dency has issued the following
statistical report concerning the
growth and status of the Church as of
December 31, 1979:

Church Units

Number of stakes of Zion 1 ,092

Number of full-time missions .... 175

Number of wards 7,235

Number of branches in stakes.. 2,130
Number of branches

in missions 2,121

Number of countries with organized

wards or branches 81

(These statistics reflect an
increase of 1 ,632 wards and branches
during 1979.)

Church Membership

Total membership reported by stakes,
missions, and Church offices at
the close of 1979 4,439,000

Church Growth during 1979

Children blessed 107,000

Children of record baptized... 67,000

Converts baptized 193,000

(This convert baptism figure is an
estimate based on 1979 reports
received at Church headquarters prior
to the conference.)

Social Statistics

Birthrate per thousand 30.0

Number of persons married per

thousand 13.7

Death rate per thousand 4.2

Priesthood

Deacons 152,000

Teachers 122,000

Priests 232,000

Elders 394,000

Seventies 33,000

High priests 161,000

(This represents an increase of
107,000 priesthood members during
1979.)

Full-time missionaries 29,454

(This has been increased to over
thirty thousand since the end of last
year.)

Church School System

Total enrollment during the 1978-79
school year:

28

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

Seminaries and institutes, including
special programs 304,000

Church schools, colleges, and

continuing education 72,000

Welfare Services

Persons assisted with cash or

commodities 139,300

Persons assisted by LDS Social

Services 43,000

Persons placed in gainful

employment 23 ,400

Man-days of labor donated to welfare

services 479,500

Commodities distributed from

storehouses (in

pounds) 23,253,000

Genealogical Society

Names cleared in 1979 for temple

endowments 4,574,000

The Genealogical Department is
acquiring records in 39 countries and
has a total of 1,024,000 one-
hundred-foot rolls of microfilm,
equivalent to 4,927,000 volumes of
300 pages each.

Temples

Number of endowments performed

during 1979:

For the living 51,600

For the dead 3,873,300

Temples in operation 17

Temples planned or under

construction 5

(This does not include temples
announced last Wednesday.)
There were 116,700 more

endowments done in 1979 than in

1978.

Prominent Members Who Passed
Away During the Year

Clair Stoddard Poelman, wife of
Elder Ronald E. Poelman of the First
Quorum of the Seventy; Finn B.
Paulsen, president of the Sao Paulo
Temple; Jay R. Payne, president of
the Albuquerque New Mexico East
Stake; Albert Stanley Green,
president of the Nottingham England
Stake; Madeline B. Wirthlin, widow
of Bishop Joseph L. Wirthlin, former
Presiding Bishop; Lavern W.
Parmley, former general president of
the Primary Association; O. Abram
Murdock, Jr., former U.S. Senator
from Utah; and Sherman P. Lloyd,
former U.S. Representative from
Utah.

President N. Eldon Tanner

I shall now present the General
Authorities, general officers, and gen-
eral auxiliary officers of the Church
for the sustaining vote of the confer-
ence, following which Elder LeGrand
Richards, a member of the Council of
the Twelve Apostles, will be our first
speaker.

Sustaining of General Authorities and Officers

It is proposed that we sustain
President Spencer W. Kimball as
prophet, seer, and revelator, and
President of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. All in
favor, please manifest it. Contrary, if
there be any, by the same sign.

Nathan Eldon Tanner as First
Counselor in the First Presidency and
Marion G. Romney as Second Coun-
selor in the First Presidency. All in
favor, please manifest it. Contrary, if
there be any by the same sign.

It is proposed that we sustain as

SUSTAINING OF GENERAL AUTHORITIES AND OFFICERS

29

the President of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles, Elder Ezra Taft
Benson. All in favor, please manifest
it. Contrary, if there be any, by the
same sign.

As the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles: Ezra Taft Benson, Mark E.
Petersen, LeGrand Richards, Howard
W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley,
Thomas S. Monson, Boyd K. Pack-
er, Marvin J. Ashton, Bruce R.
McConkie, L. Tom Perry, David B.
Haight, and James E. Faust. All in
favor, please manifest it. Contrary, if
there be any, by the same sign.

The counselors in the First Pres-
idency and the Twelve Apostles as
prophets, seers, and revelators. All in
favor, please manifest it. Contrary, if
there be any, by the same sign.

Spencer W. Kimball as trustee-
in-trust for The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. All in
favor, please manifest it. Contrary, if
there be any, by the same sign.

As the Presidency of the First
Quorum of the Seventy, and as mem-
bers of the First Quorum of the Sev-
enty: Franklin D. Richards, J.
Thomas Fyans, Neal A. Maxwell,
Carlos E. Asay, M. Russell Ballard,
Dean L. Larsen, Roy den G. Derrick.
All in favor, please manifest it. Con-
trary, if there be any, by the same
sign.

As additional members of the
First Quorum of the Seventy: Marion
D. Hanks, A. Theodore Tuttle,
Theodore M. Burton, Bernard P.
Brockbank, Paul H. Dunn, Hartman
Rector, Jr., Loren C. Dunn, Robert
L. Simpson, O. Leslie Stone, Rex D.
Pinegar, Wm. Grant Bangerter, Rob-
ert D. Hales, Adney Y. Komatsu,
Joseph B. Wirthlin, Gene R. Cook,
Charles Didier, William R. Bradford,
George P. Lee, John H. Groberg,
Jacob de Jager, Vaughn J. Feather-
stone, Robert E. Wells, G. Homer
Durham, James M. Paramore, Rich-
ard G. Scott, Hugh W. Pinnock, F.
Enzio Busche, Yoshihiko Kikuchi,
Ronald E. Poelman, Derek A. Cuth-

bert, Robert L. Backman, Rex C.
Reeve, Sr., F. Burton Howard, Ted-
dy E. Brewerton, Jack H. Goaslind,
Jr. All in favor, please manifest it.
Contrary, if any, by the same sign.

As the Presiding Bishopric: Vic-
tor L. Brown, presiding bishop; H.
Burke Peterson, first counselor; and
J. Richard Clarke, second counselor.
All in favor, please manifest it. Con-
trary, if there be any, by the same
sign.

As Patriarch Emeritus: Eldred
G. Smith. As emeritus members of
the First Quorum of the Seventy: S.
Dilworth Young, Sterling W. Sill,
Henry D. Taylor, James A. Culli-
more, Joseph Anderson, William H.
Bennett, John H. Vandenberg. All in
favor, please manifest it. Contrary, if
there be any, by the same sign.

As Regional Representatives:
All Regional Representatives as they
are at present constituted.

The Sunday School: Elder Hugh
W. Pinnock, president; Elder Ronald
E. Poelman, first counselor; and
Elder Jack H. Goaslind, Jr., second
counselor; with all members of the
board as at present constituted.

The Young Men: Elder Robert
L. Backman, president; Elder
Vaughn J. Featherstone, first coun-
selor; and Elder Rex D. Pinegar, sec-
ond counselor; with all members of
the board as at present constituted.

The Relief Society: Barbara B.
Smith, president; Marian R. Boyer,
first counselor; and Shirley W.
Thomas, second counselor; with all
members of the board as at present
constituted.

The Young Women: Elaine A.
Cannon, president; Arlene B. Darger,
first counselor; and Norma B. Smith,
second counselor; with all members
of the board as at present constituted.

The Primary Association: Dwan
J. Young, president; Virginia B.
Cannon, first counselor; and Mi-
chaelene P. Grassli, second
counselor.

30

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Firs! Day

All in favor, please manifest it.
Contrary, if there be any, by the
same sign.

The Church Board of Education:
Spencer W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tan-
ner, Marion G. Romney, Ezra Taft
Benson, Gordon B. Hinckley,
Thomas S. Monson, Boyd K. Pack-
er, Marvin J. Ashton, Neal A. Max-
well, Marion D. Hanks, Victor L.
Brown, and Barbara B. Smith. All in
favor, please manifest it. Contrary, if
there be any, by the same sign.

The Church Finance Committee:
Wilford G. Edling, Harold H. Ben-
nett, Weston E. Hamilton, David M.
Kennedy, and Warren E. Pugh.

The Tabernacle Choir: Oakley

S. Evans, president; Jerold D. Ot-
tley, conductor; Donald H. Ripplin-
ger, associate conductor; and Robert
Cundick, Roy M. Darley, and John
Longhurst, Tabernacle organists.

All in favor, please manifest it.
Contrary, if there be any, by the
same sign.

The voting seems to have been
unanimous.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder LeGrand Richards, a mem-
ber of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, will be our first speaker.

He will be followed by Elder
Howard W. Hunter.

Elder LeGrand Richards

Search the scriptures

We have been taught by our
President and our leaders that we
should study and read the scriptures.
We were told that in our meeting
Friday with the Regional Representa-
tives of the Twelve. Brother Hinckley
told us at our last conference to read
the Book of Mormon, and he has had
over a thousand letters back from
Saints, advising that they have read it.

The Savior of the world advised
us to read the scriptures. He said:
"Search the scriptures; for in them
ye think ye have eternal life: and
they are they which testify of me"
(John 5:39). Is there anything worth
seeking more than eternal life?

Nahum's prophecy of our day

As I read the scriptures — and I
have read the Book of Mormon dur-
ing the past six months and most of
the Bible— I always find something
therein that I did not remember was
there when I read it before. And I
would like to use as a sort of a text

for what I say here today a verse that
I took from the book of Nahum,
chapter 2, in the Bible, which reads
as follows: "The chariots shall be
with flaming torches in the day of his
preparation. . . .

"The chariots shall rage in the
streets, they shall justle one against
another in the broad ways: they shall
seem like torches, they shall run like
the lightnings" (Nahum 2:3-4).

Could anybody have described
an automobile better than that before
there was such a thing as an automo-
bile? Certainly they travel like the
lightning, and they look like tor-
ches—especially in the evening when
the lights are on — and they jostle
against each other. If you want a
demonstration of that, just go to one
of the body repair shops and see how
many of them come in all bruised!

The thing that I liked about that
particular passage of scripture is that
it describes the day of the Lord's
preparation. We live in that day.
Five hundred years ago this prophecy
could not have come true, but today
there is no other answer for that

ELDER LEGRAND RICHARDS

31

prophecy than an automobile. The
importance of the prophecy is that it
describes the day of his preparation.

Messenger to prepare for Christ's
coming

I like to think of the many pas-
sages of scripture that designate the
time of his preparation. I quote you
from the book of Malachi, where the
Lord, speaking through Malachi, said
that he would send his messenger to
prepare the way for his coming. And
he would come swiftly to his temple,
and who could abide the day of his
coming, because he would be as refi-
ner's fire and fullers' soap (see Mai.
3:1-2). Now, obviously that had no
reference to his first coming. He did
not come swiftly to his temple at that
time. He did not come cleansing and
purifying as refiner's fire and fullers'
soap. We are told that when he
comes in the latter days, the wicked
will cry out to the rocks, "Fall on
us, and hide us from his presence"
(see Rev. 6:16).

When the Lord sends a messen-
ger to prepare the way for his com-
ing, that messenger can be none
other than a prophet. When the Sav-
ior came in the meridian of time,
John the Baptist was sent to prepare
the way for his coming, and Jesus
testified of him that there was no
greater prophet in Israel (see Luke
7:28). And the prophet Amos tells
us: "Surely the Lord God will do
nothing, but he revealeth his secret
unto his servants the prophets"
(Amos 3:7).

Therefore, when the time of
preparation comes, as I have read to
you here today, the Lord could not
prepare for his coming without a
prophet. And the prophet of this dis-
pensation was none other than the
Prophet Joseph Smith. And what he
has brought forth is a fulfillment of
so many of the prophecies of holy
scripture that cannot be found any-
where else in all this world.

"Restitution of all things"

I like the statement of Peter of
old, following the day of Pentecost,
when he talked to those who had put
to death the Christ. He said the
heavens were to receive the Christ
until "the times of restitution of all
things . . . spoken by the mouths of
all the holy prophets since the world
began" (Acts 3:20-21). Search this
world over and you cannot find a
church that claims a restitution of all
things spoken by the mouths of all
the holy prophets except The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We believe Peter was a prophet; and
if the world does, then they cannot
look for the Savior's second coming
until there is such a restitution of all
things.

There is not time to discuss that
restitution today, but just think of the
coming of the Father and the Son to
teach the real personality of the God-
head; the coming of Moroni with the
plates from which the Book of Mor-
mon was translated; the coming of
John the Baptist (as Brother Monson
testified this morning) with the
Aaronic priesthood, the power to
baptize by immersion for the remis-
sion of sins; the coming of Peter,
James, and John who held the keys
of the holy apostleship, with power
to organize the church and kingdom
of God in the earth for the last time,
in fulfillment of the promise made by
Daniel in his interpretation of King
Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

Nebuchadnezzar's dream

The king had forgotten his
dream, and he called all the sooth-
sayers and the wise men and astrolo-
gers, and none of them could tell
him his dream. He heard of the man
Daniel and sent for him, and Daniel
said: "There is a God in heaven that
revealeth secrets and maketh known
to the king Nebuchadnezzar what
shall be in the latter days" (Dan.

32

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

2:28). Then Daniel told him about
the rise and fall of the kingdoms of
this world until the latter days, when
the God of heaven would set up a
kingdom that should never be des-
troyed or given to another people.
But like a little stone cut out of the
mountains without hands, it would
roll forth until it should become as a
great mountain and fill the whole
earth (see Dan. 2:44-45).

The establishment of that king-
dom was made possible in these lat-
ter days— and he said in the latter
days — through the coming of Peter,
James, and John with the holy
apostleship and the power to organize
the kingdom of God in the earth
again.

Kingdom of God

One of our missionaries in the
South, while I was the mission presi-
dent there, preached about that dream
and the establishment of the Lord's
latter-day kingdom. I stood at the
door at the close of the meeting, and
a man came up and introduced him-
self as a minister. He said, "You
don't mean to tell me you think that
kingdom is the Mormon church, do
you?"

And I said, "Yes, sir. Why
not?"

He said, "It couldn't be."

I said, "Why couldn't it?"

He said, "You can't have a
kingdom without a king, and you
don't have a king, so you don't have
a kingdom. "

"Oh," I said, "my friend, you
didn't read far enough. You just read
the seventh chapter of Daniel and
you will see where Daniel saw 'one
like the Son of man' coming in the
clouds of heaven unto the Ancient of
Days. And unto him was given the
kingdom, that all other kingdoms,
powers, and dominions under the
whole heavens should serve and obey
him (see Dan. 7:13-14).

Then I said: "My friend, tell
me, how can a kingdom be given to
him when he comes in the clouds of
heaven if a kingdom is not prepared
for him?" I said: "Maybe you would
like to know what is going to be-
come of that kingdom. If you will
read a little further, Daniel said
something like this: The kingdom
and the power and the dominion
under the whole heavens shall be
given unto the Saints of the Most
High God, that they might possess
the kingdom for ever (see Dan. 7:18,
27). And as if that were not quite
long enough Daniel adds, 'Even for
ever and ever.' "

Now, who are the Saints of the
Most High God? All you wonderful
people who are listening in today,
and you who are bearing the burden
along with these thirty thousand mis-
sionaries scattered all over this world
to help prepare this kingdom for the
coming of the great King.

Restoration of everlasting gospel

I like to refer to the experience
of John the Revelator when he was
banished upon the Isle of Patmos. A
voice from heaven said: "Come up
hither, and I will shew thee things
which must be hereafter" (Rev. 4:1).
This was thirty years after the death
of the Savior. And the angel showed
John the power that would be given
to the evil one, the devil, to make
war with the Saints (and the Saints
were the followers of Jesus) and to
overcome them and to reign over all
kindreds, tongues, and nations (see
Rev. 13:7). That is one of the posi-
tive declarations in the holy scrip-
tures of a complete apostasy from the
church that Jesus established. But the
angel did not leave it there. He then
showed John another angel flying in
the midst of heaven, "having the
everlasting gospel [and that is the
only gospel that can save men] to
preach unto them that dwell on the

ELDER HOWARD W. HUNTER

33

earth, and to every nation, and kin-
dred, and tongue, and people" (Rev.
14:6).

If the everlasting gospel had
been upon the earth, there would
have been no need for John to see a
restoration brought back by an angel.
This is the restitution of all things
that Peter had in mind when he said
that the heavens were to receive the
Christ "until the restitution of all
things . . . spoken by the mouths of
all the holy prophets since the world
began." And then the angel showed
him an angel bringing the everlasting
gospel to be preached to every na-
tion, "saying with a loud voice, Fear
God, and give glory to him; for the
hour of his judgment is come" (Rev.
14:7).

We live in the day of his judg-
ments. In the period of my lifetime
there have been more judgments and
destructions and wars and contentions
in this world than in all the history of
the world combined before that time.
This is the time of the judgments that
the angel saw, when that everlasting
gospel should be restored. And then
he adds: "Worship him that made
heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
the fountains of waters" (Rev. 14:7).

Day of preparation

When Joseph Smith had his
marvelous vision and saw the Father
and the Son, there was not a church
in this world that worshipped the
God that made the heavens and the
earth and the sea and the fountains of
water. They worshipped an essence

everywhere present, a god without
body, parts, or passions. And if he
has no body, that means he has no
eyes— he cannot see; he has no
ears— he cannot hear; he has no
voice — he cannot speak. What is
there left to worship when you take
all of those qualities away? And then
think of the two glorious personages
who appeared to the Prophet Joseph
Smith in a pillar of light brighter
than anything in this world.

Now there are many more won-
derful things that the holy prophets
were permitted to see with respect to
this preparation for his coming in the
day when the chariots should jostle
against each other, when their lights
should be like torches, and when
they should travel like the lightning,
but that is as far as my time permits.
I love this work. I know it is true.
There is no one else— no other
people in the world — that have ful-
filled the words of the prophets as
has the restoration of the gospel in
this, the dispensation of the fulness
of times.

I pray God to bless you all, and
bear you my witness of the divinity
of this work, in the name of the
Lord, Jesus Christ, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder LeGrand Richards, a mem-
ber of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, has just spoken to us.

We shall now hear from Elder
Howard W. Hunter, a member of the
Council of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Howard W. Hunter

Law of resistance

A few years ago we were stand-
ing in a large crowd of people
gathered early in the morning along

the waterfront of Apia Harbor in
Samoa. It was the occasion of the
National Holidays, when hundreds of
people came to watch the Fautasi, or
long-boat, races that sweep in from

34

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

the ocean to the calmer waters of the
harbor to cross the finish line.

The crowd was restless, and
most eyes were turned toward the
sea, watching for the first glimpse of
the fautasis. Suddenly there was a
roar from the crowd as the boats
came into sight in the distance. Each
of them had a crew of fifty powerful
oarsmen dipping and pulling the oars
with a rhythm that forced the crafts
through the waves and foaming wa-
ter—a beautiful sight.

The boats and men were soon in
full view as they raced toward the
finish. Even though these powerful
men pulled with their might, the
weight of a boat with fifty men
moved against a powerful adverse
force — the resistance of the water.

The cheering of the crowd
reached a crescendo when the first
long-boat crossed the finish line. We
walked over to the place where the
boats docked after the race had con-
cluded. One of the oarsmen explain-
ed to us that the prow of the fautasi
is so constructed that it cuts through
and divides the water to help over-
come the resistance that retards the
speed of the boat. He further explain-
ed that the pulling of the oars against
the resistance of the water creates the
force that causes the boat to move
forward. Resistance creates both the
opposition and the forward
movement.

Friction, or resistance, is an in-
teresting phenomenon. Without this
force, a person or vehicle could not
move about, or if already in motion,
could not be stopped except by colli-
sion. Simple things like nails,
screws, and bolts would not stay in
place; a cork would not stay in a
bottle; a light globe would drop from
its socket; a lid would not stay on a
jar.

The law of friction or resistance
that we think of as only applying to
science seems to find application in
our personal lives. This is probably

what Lehi was referring to when he
spoke to his son Jacob. He reminded
Jacob of the afflictions and sorrows
that had come to him because of the
rudeness of his brethren, and told
him how these afflictions would ulti-
mately result in good. These are the
words of Jacob to his son: "Thou
knowest the greatness of God; and he
shall consecrate thine afflictions for
thy gain" (2 Ne. 2:2).

Opposition in all things

In other words, the afflictions
that had come to him in the form of
opposition or resistance would be for
his good. Then Lehi added these
words that have become classic:
"For it must needs be, that there is
an opposition in all things. If not so,
. . . righteousness could not be
brought to pass, neither wickedness,
neither holiness nor misery, neither
good nor bad" (2 Ne. 2:11).

We came to mortal life to en-
counter resistance. It was part of the
plan for our eternal progress. With-
out temptation, sickness, pain, and
sorrow, there could be no goodness,
virtue, appreciation for well-being, or
joy. The law of opposition makes
freedom of choice possible; there-
fore, our Heavenly Father has com-
manded his children, "Choose ye
this day, to serve the Lord God who
made you" (Moses 6:33). He has
counseled us to yield to his spirit and
resist temptation. Free agency, of
course, permits us to oppose his di-
rections; thus, we see many who re-
sist the truth and yield to temptation.

Tribulation endured by progenitors

Today the Church stands at the
summit of a century and a half of
progress. The terrain over which we
have traveled is a grim reminder that
struggle, persecution, and sorrow
have been the lot of our forebears.
Kirtland, Jackson County, Clay

ELDER HOWARD W. HUNTER

35

County, Haun's Mill, and Nauvoo
seem synonymous with suffering — a
part of the tribulation the Lord prom-
ised that his people would have to
endure (see D&C 58:3).

As we look back in retrospect,
we see that it was because of the
opposition encountered in our early
history that our progress today has
been made possible. Out of that cal-
dron of persecution and heartache,
the Lord answered the soul-cry of the
Prophet Joseph Smith in these words:
"Thine adversity and thine afflictions
shall be but a small moment;

"And then, if thou endure it
well, God shall exalt thee on high"
(D&C 121:7-8).

"If thou art called to pass
through tribulation, . . . know thou,
my son, that all these things shall
give thee experience, and shall be for
thy good" (D&C 122:5, 7).

By the tribulation well endured
by numerous of our progenitors, a
desert blossomed as a rose (see Isa.
35:1), a tried and persecuted people
provided a heritage of faith, and Zion
put on her beautiful garments for all
to see (see D&C 82:14).

One hundred fifty years of
Church history provide us with a les-
son that when resistance and opposi-
tion are greatest, our faith,
commitment, and growth have the
greatest opportunity for advancement;
when opposition is least, the tenden-
cy is to be complacent and lose faith.
President Brigham Young said: "Let
any people enjoy peace and quiet-
ness, unmolested, undisturbed,—
never be persecuted for their religion,
and they are very likely to neglect
their duty, to become cold and indif-
ferent, and lose their faith" (in Jour-
nal of Discourses , 7:42). This lesson,
which applies to the Church collec-
tively, also applies to individuals.

Documented in scripture are epi-
sodes from the lives of many former-
day Saints who, by personal sacri-
fice, opposition, and adversity,

achieved their exaltation. From their
biographies of struggle, I offer their
testaments of faithful endurance.

Job

The classic example of faithful
endurance was the Old Testament
prophet Job. He lost all his posses-
sions, he suffered great personal af-
fliction and physical pain, some of
his children met tragic death, and
even his friends deserted him. Yet he
proclaimed his faith: "[God] knoweth
the way that I take: when he hath
tried me, I shall come forth as
gold. . . . His way have I kept, and
not declined" (Job 23:10-11).

Abraham and Jacob

We turn the pages to another
exemplar of faith, father Abraham.
He fought in time of war, went
through a period of extensive famine,
saw his own father turn away from
the priesthood, and suffered per-
secution for his faith — almost to the
point of his own death. After years
of waiting for a son, he was ordered
to sacrifice him to the Lord. He also
experienced the sorrow of the loss of
his beloved wife, Sarah.

To the early Saints of this dis-
pensation, the Lord said, "I, the
Lord, have suffered the affliction to
come upon them. . . . They must
needs be chastened and tried, even as
Abraham" (D&C 101:2, 4).

Abraham's grandson, Jacob,
was also no stranger to adversity. As
a young man he was estranged from
his twin brother and didn't return
home to see his father, mother, or
brother for many years. He lived a
life of mourning for a favorite son,
whom he thought dead, but who had
been sold into slavery. He buried his
beloved Rachel after she gave birth
to his last-born son, Benjamin. He
knew the personal sorrow of sons
who were not valiant, but still he

36

Saturday, April 5

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blessed their days and posterity so
that their descendants are honored to
be called the House of Jacob, the
House of Israel.

Paul

The New Testament records the
life of one Paul of Tarsus. From the
day of his dramatic conversion, he
experienced great trial and personal
affliction. He was imprisoned for his
faith, beaten, stoned, and in his own
words, buffeted by Satan. Yet he
wrote: "Most gladly . . . will I . . .
glory in my infirmities, that the pow-
er of Christ may rest upon me" (2
Cor. 12:9). Comparing his own ad-
versity to that of Paul, the Prophet
Joseph once wrote, "I feel, like
Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to
this day has the God of my fathers
delivered me" (D&C 127:2).

Nephi

Last, I refer to the life of Nephi
from the Book of Mormon as an ex-
ample of faithful endurance. With his
parents, he left prosperous circum-
stances in Jerusalem and then for
eight years, in great affliction, jour-
neyed in the wilderness. The family
then crossed uncharted seas to a new
land. During this period, Nephi was
assailed, ridiculed, and persecuted by
members of his household. Following
the death of his father, Nephi and
other family members had to separate
themselves from his older brothers
because they sought his life. Out of
his despair, he declared, "My God
hath been my support; he hath led
me through mine afflictions in the
wilderness; and he hath preserved me
upon the waters of the great deep"
(2 Ne. 4:20).

Biographies of faith

These are biographies of faith —
men whom God has honored because
they relied on him in times of their

extremity. They learned the truth that
God chose them "in the furnace of
affliction" (Isa. 48:10).

Today other biographies of faith
are being written — Saints who, like
Job, suffer physical pain, emotional
sorrow, and even disloyalty from
friends— yet remain faithful; Saints
who, like Jacob, see sons and daugh-
ters not so valiant as they should be,
but who bless them for their poten-
tial; Saints who, like Paul, endure
great ridicule and endure to the end;
Saints who, like Nephi, must sepa-
rate themselves from family because
of their commitment to the gospel.
There are those who know pain and
sorrow because of loss of loved ones;
who know spiritual sorrow because
children go astray; who experience
loss of health, financial reverses, and
emotional distress, and yet, like Job,
resolve, "When he hath tried me, I
shall come forth as gold" (Job
23:10).

President Kimball

We recently celebrated the birth-
day of President Spencer W. Kim-
ball. Most of us are familiar with the
fact that great adversity has been his
companion for a great portion of his
eighty-five years. He spoke from ex-
perience when he wrote these words:
"Being human, we would expel from
our lives physical pain and mental
anguish and assure ourselves of con-
tinual ease and comfort, but if we
were to close the doors upon sorrow
and distress, we might be excluding
our greatest friends and benefactors.
Suffering can make saints of people
as they learn patience, long-suffer-
ing, and self-mastery" (Faith Pre-
cedes the Miracle, Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Company, 1972, p.
98).

God will have a tried people

We stand on the summit of 150
years of Church history; yet there are

ELDER F. ENZ10 BUSCHE

37

other summits to climb before the
work of God is crowned with vic-
tory. There will be tribulations col-
lectively and hardships personally —
that resistance so essential to the
eternal plan.

What makes us imagine that we
may be immune from the same expe-
riences that refined the lives of for-
mer-day Saints? We must remember
that the same forces of resistance
which prevent our progress afford us
also opportunities to overcome. God
will have a tried people!

I witness today this truth from a
verse of one of our favorite hymns:

When through fiery trials thy

pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy

supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only
design

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to

refine.
(Hymns, no. 66).

May God bless us to endure
well the purpose for which we were
sent, I pray in the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder Howard W. Hunter, a
member of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, has just addressed us.

The choir and congregation will
now join in singing "How Firm a
Foundation." After the singing, Elder
F. Enzio Busche, a member of the
First Quorum of the Seventy, will
address us.

The choir and congregation sang
the hymn "How Firm a Foundation. "

Elder F. Enzio Busche

As I stand here before you at this
moment, I cannot help but think back
to the day when I, as an investigator
of the Church, was confronted with
the missionaries' challenge to prepare
for my baptism. This step seemed to
be too big for me to take, but because
I already had a testimony burning
within me of the truthfulness of this
work, I knew that withstanding bap-
tism would take away my right to
speak to my Father in Heaven again
in prayer.

So I accepted the challenge for
baptism, with a fearful heart, but I
told the missionaries that I would do
it only on two conditions: First, that
I would never be called to any
Church position, and second, that I
would never have to give a talk.
Without the loving influence and the
power and security of the Holy
Ghost, which I received by the lay-
ing on of hands after baptism to help

me, I could not have done anything
in my various Church assignments by
myself.

Knowledge of God important

We, as members, have the privi-
lege to bear witness of the restoration
of the Church of Jesus Christ through
a divinely authorized man, Joseph
Smith, in these latter days. As I bore
this witness to a man just recently
while I was serving as mission presi-
dent in Germany, I saw that he felt
very uneasy about my statement, and
he, like so many others, responded
with a question: "Don't we all be-
lieve in the same God?" This ques-
tion hurt me. It always hurts me
when 1 see how many people are so
indifferent and show such a lack of
awareness in this most vital question
in man's life: Can 1 find thee, my
Father in Heayen?

38

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

Yes, one could say that regard-
less of when, where, and in what
circumstances we are raised, we all
long for our Heavenly Father and de-
sire after him, because we knew him
before we came to this earth. But do
we, on this earth, all believe in the
same God? No — absolutely not! Men
have created, in their use of free
agency, all kinds of different inter-
pretations of our Father in Heaven
and the purpose of our lives.

In our mortal existence there is
no place for an uncertain, indifferent
awareness of our responsibility and
obligation to decide whom we should
follow. Either we must attain a
knowledge of our Creator and God,
who loves us, who wants to bring
peace, dignity, light, and happiness
into our lives, or by and by we will
forget our divine origin and remain
in the foggy mists of the deceiv-
er— the adversary, who cannot stand
the fact that we, as living souls, did
not accept his plan in our premortal
lives.

He is fighting, with all of his
knowledge, to lead men astray as
they exercise their free agency, that
he might make them his slaves. We
are witnesses that the fear, hatred,
despair, loneliness, and ugliness that
people experience in their lives are
the fruits of the influence of the ad-
versary. It is obvious that his long-
range, ungodly strategy to destroy
our ability to truly love and have
faith is aimed at these latter days
before the second coming of the Sav-
ior, when a decision is required of
every man.

If we do not decide to search
out and accept the truth in the only
way authorized by God, with all our
might, mind, and strength, even
when it means changing our lives
completely, we will have built our
house on sand. The half-truths of
men, often mingled with scripture,
are sometimes strong enough to ful-
fill the expectations of the people for

a season or for a generation, but they
can neither bring them along the path
of exaltation and eternal life nor
bring satisfying answers to the de-
manding problems of mankind in
these days.

Follow Christ

Receiving and accepting Jesus
Christ and his plan of salvation in its
fulness and its truth means leaving
the world and its earthly desires be-
hind and building Zion around our-
selves. When Christ walked the earth
to prepare the way for his disciples,
standing in purity and bearing testi-
mony of the truth, he was a light in
the darkness, and the darkness knew
him not (see John 1:5). The darkness
organized itself to destroy him.
Christ knew that this would happen,
not only to him but also to all his
true disciples. He said, in speaking
to his followers, in Matthew 10:22,
"And ye shall be hated of all men
for my name's sake."

When we really follow Christ in
his true restored church, it will be
manifested in our lives. The fruit will
follow. The Holy Ghost will lead us
to make uncomfortable decisions, to
develop true love and faith by learn-
ing to sacrifice and to discipline our-
selves. Our abilities will grow and
will bring satisfaction and joy and
happiness. Through the instrument of
an ongoing communication with our
Heavenly Father— a constant prayer
in our hearts for direction in the
many little decisions in our
lives — we feel the softness of the
yoke of Christ, as he said in Mat-
thew 11:28, 30:

"Come unto me, all ye that la-
bour and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest. . . .

"For my yoke is easy, and my
burden is light."

We will be led to live our lives
his way and not the world's way.

ELDER F. ENZIO BUSCHE

39

Satan deceives

The men of the world feel se-
cure with the question "Don't we all
believe in the same God?" The an-
swer to the question is "No." The
deceiver has initiated all kinds of
philosophies and religions to lead
people astray, to make them feel
happy and safe in their man-made
rationalizing and wickedness. He
wants them to forget that someday
we all have to stand in the judgment
of Christ and report our deeds and
words. The Savior said in Matthew
12:36, "But I say unto you, That
every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the
day of judgment. "

We are living in the glorious
days of fulfillment eagerly awaited
by the prophets of old — Enoch,
Isaiah, Daniel, Paul, and many oth-
ers. In our day the works of the
deceiver of all the ages are being
revealed by Christ through a living
prophet. The disciples of Christ — the
Saints of the latter days under the
leadership of a living prophet, even
Spencer W. Kimball — are taking the
offensive to show the world the fruits
of righteous living in the gospel of
Jesus Christ. We testify with the an-
gels that these are the days of warn-
ing for the people of the nations of
the world, and that the time is near
when it will be too late. We testify
with the words of Amulek, a Book
of Mormon prophet, recorded in
Alma 34:32-33 and 35:

"For behold, this life is the time
for men ... to perform their labors.

"And now, as I have said unto
you before, as ye have had so many
witnesses, therefore, I beseech of
you that ye do not procrastinate the
day of your repentance until the
end; . . .

"For behold, if ye have pro-
crastinated the day of your repen-
tance even until death, behold, ye
have become subjected to the spirit

of the devil, and he doth seal you
his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord
hath withdrawn from you, and hath
no place in you, and the devil hath
all power over you; and this is the
final state of the wicked."

Principle of righteousness

The saving priesthood powers
from above operate only through the
principle of the righteousness of
men. These powers are working
through the innocent and the pure in
heart as prophesied since the days of
old. Thirty thousand missionaries are
sent out to teach with this power,
searching for those who are seeking
the eternal principles of truth that
they have been waiting for during
their whole lifetime. Hundreds of
thousands of priesthood holders and
women witness daily — through their
righteous lives, their example, and
their testimonies — that they have
been sealed by the Holy Ghost with
the knowledge that these things are
true, that the kingdom of God is in
the process of establishment in these
days to prepare for the second com-
ing of the Savior.

With great excitement, the dis-
ciples of Christ in these last days are
learning to accept the word given to
the Prophet Joseph Smith in Doctrine
& Covenants 58:64:

"For, verily, the sound must go
forth from this place into all the
world, and unto the uttermost parts
of the earth — the gospel must be
preached unto every creature, with
signs following them that believe."

This work in these latter days is
bringing to pass the prophecy of the
prophet Enoch, the seventh from
Adam, recorded in the Pearl of Great
Price, Moses 7:62:

"And righteousness will I send
down out of heaven; and truth will I
send forth out of the earth, to bear
testimony of mine Only Begotten; his
resurrection from the dead; yea, and

40

Saturday. April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

also the resurrection of all men; and
righteousness and truth will I cause
to sweep the earth as with a flood, to
gather out mine elect from the four
quarters of the earth, unto a place
which I shall prepare, an Holy City,
that my people may gird up their
loins, and be looking forth for the
time of my coming; for there shall be
my tabernacle, and it shall be called
Zion, a New Jerusalem."

Accept God as he really is

My dear brothers and sisters, I
bear you my testimony that this is
the day of the establishment of the
kingdom of Christ on this earth — that
nobody will be able to escape the

decision to accept God as he really is
and not as he has been made to ap-
pear according to man-made philoso-
phies. I know that this is the work of
the living God, working through a
living prophet, Spencer W. Kimball.
I say this in humility in the name of
our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder F. Enzio Busche, a mem-
ber of the First Quorum of the Sev-
enty, has just spoken to us.

Elder Marion D. Hanks, a mem-
ber of the First Quorum of the Sev-
enty, will now address us.

Elder Marion D. Hanks

Enoch

In that same chapter of the book
of Moses to which Brother Busche
has just referred, there is a conversa-
tion recorded that is for me one of the
most instructive and tender in all liter-
ature. Enoch had "built a city that
was called the City of Holiness, even
Zion," which "in process of time,
was taken up into heaven. . . .

"And ... the God of heaven
looked upon the residue of the people
[that is, upon those who had not been
taken up], and he wept" (Moses
7:19,21,28).

Then Enoch said to the Lord:
"How is it that the heavens weep,
and shed forth their tears as the rain
upon the mountains?

"... How is it that thou canst
weep, seeing thou art holy, and from
all eternity to all eternity?" (Moses
7:28-29).

Enoch then reminded God of the
limitlessness and ongoing nature of
his creations, and of his holy per-
fections and glory and accom-
plishments, and said: "Naught but
peace, justice, and truth is the habi-

tation of thy throne; and mercy shall
go before thy face and have no end;
how is it thou canst weep?

"The Lord said unto Enoch: Be-
hold these thy brethren; they are the
workmanship of mine own hands,
and I gave unto them their knowl-
edge, in the day I created them; and
in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto
man his agency;

"And unto thy brethren have I
said, and also given commandment,
that they should love one another,
and that they should choose me, their
Father; but behold, they are without
affection, and they hate their own
blood.

"... and the whole heavens
shall weep over them, even all the
workmanship of mine hands; where-
fore should not the heavens weep,
seeing these shall suffer?" (Moses
7:31-33, 37; italics added).

God, from whom all blessings
come, asked of his children only that
they should love each other and
choose him, their Father.

But as in our day, many neither
sought the Lord nor had love for
each other, and when God foresaw

ELDER MARION D. HANKS

41

the suffering that would inevitably
follow this self-willed, rebellious
course of sin, he wept. That, he told
Enoch, was what he had to cry
about.

Long ago I heard an important
story which has been helpful to me. I
have not seen it in writing and there-
fore cannot give credit as I would
like. The story has obviously been
deliberately fashioned to teach in a
provocative way principles in which I
believe.

At the gate

Over a period of time three
men, as each of us ultimately will,
passed from mortal life to ongoing
immortality. Each, as he made the
transition, at once found himself in
the presence of a gracious person
who made him feel comfortable and
calmed his apprehensions.

Each man in turn found himself
responding to questions which some-
how formed in the mind and heart,
vital above all other considerations.
"What do you think of Christ? What
is your relationship with him? Do
you know him?"

The first man answered reluc-
tantly, with some chagrin. He had
not been, he said, one who had par-
ticipated in organized religious activ-
ity. There seemed to be too much
formalism, too much hypocrisy, too
little real religion. Neither had he on
his own sought a personal relation-
ship with the Lord. He had been a
good husband and father, an active
citizen, a man of integrity, but it
now came to him very clearly that he
had missed the central purpose of his
life, that he had been distracted from
what he should have been seeking.
With gratitude, he was received into
a circumstance where he could begin
to learn what he needed to know.

The second man had a briefer
interview. Quickly perceiving the im-
port of the questions, he quickly an-
swered. He had, he said, been a

soldier for Christ, a crusader for him
in business, a spokesman for him in
industry. He seemed crestfallen to be
ushered after a time into a circum-
stance where he too could begin to
learn what he needed to know.

The third traveler came into the
presence of his host with an over-
whelming sense of warmth and won-
der. Understanding the questions,
looking tearfully into the loving eyes
of him who stood at the gate, he fell
to his knees at his feet and worshiped
him.

The Holy One

In the scripture it is written:
"O . . . my beloved breth-
ren, ... the way for man is narrow,
but it lieth in a straight course before
him, and the keeper of the gate is the
Holy One of Israel; and he employ-
eth no servant there; and there is
none other way save it be by the
gate; for he cannot be deceived, for
the Lord God is his name" (2 Ne.
9:41).

Salvation and exaltation, I be-
lieve, are not matters of heavenly
bookkeeping, but of the qualifying of
the soul that comes with knowing the
Lord.

Willing to receive

It is also written that one who
does not abide laws pertaining to the
various conditions of eternal opportu-
nity cannot enjoy the blessings of
those kingdoms. There are those who
will not enjoy the blessings of any
kingdom of glory, but must function,
says the record, in a kingdom not of
glory (see D&C 88:22-24). And of
them it is written:

"And they who remain shall
also be quickened; nevertheless, they
shall return again to their own place,
to enjoy that which they are willing
to receive, because they were not
willing to enjoy that which they
might have received.

42

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

"For what doth it profit a man
if a gift is bestowed upon him, and
he receive not the gift? Behold, he
rejoices not in that which is given
unto him, neither rejoices in him
who is the giver of the gift" (D&C
88:32-33).

Each of us will enjoy all of
God's blessings that we are willing
to receive.

But how do we manifest that
willingness? A prophet answers:
"How knoweth a man the master
whom he has not served, and who is
a stranger unto him, and is far from
the thoughts and intents of his
heart?" (Mosiah 5:13).

We know and choose him and
enjoy his blessings through serving
him, through qualifying for his
friendship, and by keeping him al-
ways in our hearts and minds. In our
afflictions and gropings and fore-
bodings we turn to him for comfort
and support. He is always accessible
to those who seek him.

"Come unto me, all ye that la-
bour and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).

"Lo, I am with you alway," he
said, "even unto the end of the
world" (Matt. 28:20).

"I will not leave you comfort-
less" (John 14:18).

He understands our infirmities
and pressures and problems. Better
than any other, he understands how it
is to feel all alone.

"My God, my God, why hast
thou forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46).

Love each other

But loving him, reaching out to
him, we have also to live his com-
mandment to love each other. He
taught us and showed us the paths
we must follow. When he returned to
Nazareth and entered the synagogue
on the Sabbath day, he opened the
book of Isaiah and read what had
been written 700 years earlier about
His ministry:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon
me, because he hath anointed me to
preach the gospel to the poor; he
hath sent me to heal the broken-
hearted, to preach deliverance to the
captives, and recovering of sight to
the blind, to set at liberty them that
are bruised" (Luke 4:18).

In the magnificent story of the
return of the King, he taught us un-
forgettably our responsibility to the
hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the
naked, the sick, and those in prison.
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto
one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me" (Matt.
25:40).

Millennia before, through
Isaiah, there was delineated the
course of helpfulness he expected his
children to follow:

"To loose the bands of wicked-
ness, . . . undo the heavy bur-
dens, ... let the oppressed go
free, . . . deal thy bread to the hun-
gry, . . . bring the poor that are cast
out to thy house, . . . when thou
seest the naked, . . . cover him, . . .
satisfy the afflicted soul" (Isa. 58:6,
7, 10).

We know, you and I, that we
need the Lord. And he has made it
plain that he also needs us as in-
struments of his love to his other
children.

His instruments

A little girl living in a place for
homeless children earned displeasure
from annoyed attendants by deposit-
ing a note in a tree limb which could
be reached from outside the in-
stitution. The apprehended little rule-
breaker was quickly fetched to the
superintendent, who opened the note
which read, "To whoever finds this,
I love you."

God's children need to be loved,
and to have someone to love.

But it is written, "let us not
love in word, neither in tongue; but
in deed and in truth" (1 Jn. 3:18).

ELDER MARION D. HANKS

43

"Not with eyeservice, as men-
pleasers; but as the servants of
Christ, doing the will of God from
the heart" (Eph. 6:6).

In the sermon Amulek preached,
to which Brother Busche has re-
ferred, encouraging prayer and faith,
there was added this invitation:

"And now behold, my beloved
brethren, I say unto you, do not sup-
pose that this is all; for after ye have
done all these things, if ye turn away
the needy, and the naked, and visit
not the sick and afflicted, and impart
of your substance, if ye have, to
those who stand in need — I say unto
you, if ye do not any of these things,
behold, your prayer is vain, and
availeth you nothing, and ye are as
hypocrites who do deny the faith"
(Alma 34:28).

The poet expressed it another

way:

Love is not all: it is not meat nor
drink

Nor slumber nor a roof
against the rain;
Nor yet a floating spar to men that
sink.

(Edna St. Vincent Millay, Collected
Poems, ed. Norma Millay, New
York: Harper and Row, 1956, p.
659).

We speak of the love of Christ
that is greater than faith, greater than
hope; that expresses itself in sacri-
fice, in service, in giving.

Now, some of those who need
our love are near at hand, others are
far away. A few of the latter are
arriving in our communities to re-
mind us that vast numbers of dis-
placed people are now and will be
increasingly in need of help across
the earth. We have heard a little of
the tragedy of the boat people. Yet
the problem of the hungry, the home-
less, the hopeless, the poor and cast
out, is beyond anything most of us
can comprehend.

Near at hand

There are others nearer at hand
who struggle with problems with
which we must also be concerned.
Major organized institutional welfare
and social service efforts are in pro-
cess, thank the Lord, but these are to
augment our individual concern for
the strangers who are among us, resi-
dent or passing through, for the way-
ward, the elderly, and the ill.

The widowed and divorced suf-
fer devasting displacement, also, of-
ten alone and often in need of
encouragement and help. Broken-
hearted parents who have really tried,
but whose progeny have chosen an-
other path, are heartsick and often
find little comfort in sermons or in
the success of others. The numbers
of single-parent families burgeon,
each one representing special needs
not understood by those who have
not experienced them.

We have the testimony of scrip-
ture that the Lord God weeps when
we do not choose him or truly love
each other. The saddest circumstance
any of us can envision, indeed the
only evil that ultimately can really
harm us, is in not choosing him and
thus to be separated from him. But
the companion tragedy — one that also
brings suffering that makes him
weep — is to fail in our affection for
each other, affection expressed in un-
selfish efforts to give the Christian
service President Kimball referred to
thrice this morning, Christian service
to the hungry, the naked, the op-
pressed, those who are cast out, the
widow, the orphan, the afflicted, the
brokenhearted, the bruised, the aban-
doned, the elderly, the sick, and the
imprisoned.

Choose him — and love

We have two great challenges,
you and I, and the challenge never
ends as long as breath lasts: to

44

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

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choose him and to love each other.
Then we may be sure we will know
him in this world and at last in that
kingdom which is not of this world,
where "God is with men, and he
will dwell with them, and they shall
be his people, and God himself shall
be with them, and be their God.

"And God shall wipe away all
tears from their eyes; and there shall
be no more death, neither sorrow,
nor crying, neither shall there be any
more pain: for the former things are
passed away" (Rev. 21:3-4).

God bless us that we may meet
the test, in the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder Marion D. Hanks, a mem-
ber of the First Quorum of the Sev-
enty, has just spoken to us.

President Ezra Taft Benson,
President of the Council of the
Twelve Apostles, will be our con-
cluding speaker.

President Ezra Taft Benson

A marvelous work and a wonder

Seven centuries before the birth
of Christ, Isaiah foresaw and foretold
the restoration of the gospel of Jesus
Christ in these latter days. He
declared it would be a "marvelous
work and a wonder" to all mankind
(Isa. 29:14). When Jesus appeared to
the Nephites in America, He con-
firmed the prophecy of Isaiah in these
words: "For my sake shall the Father
work a work, which shall be a great
and a marvelous work" among the
people of the land of America in the
last days (3 Ne. 21:9).

April 6, 1830, in the state of
New York, The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints had its
beginning in this dispensation, a be-
ginning that went largely unnoticed
by the world. A small number of
men and women, including the
Prophet Joseph Smith, gathered in
the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr., to
witness and participate in the official
organization of the Church. Today
there are over 4% million members
in eighty-one countries. We now
look in retrospect on 150 years of the
history of the Church and are led to
exclaim with Isaiah, "Truly the work
is marvelous and wonderful! ' '

That the Church of Jesus Christ
would have an inconspicuous begin-
ning and then enjoy phenomenal
growth was likewise predicted. Jesus
used the comparison of the small
mustard seed to describe the early
beginning of His church. But eventu-
ally, He declared, that insignificant
seed would become a great tree and
many would find refuge in its
branches (see Matt. 13:31-32).

The prophet Daniel described
the beginning and remarkable growth
of the Church as a small stone which
would become a great mountain and
fill the entire earth! (see Dan. 2:34-
35, 44).

As men have attempted to assess
the Church at a given period of time,
in many instances they have not been
able to see its forward movement and
potential. The growth of the Church,
like the growth of grass or trees, has
been almost imperceptible to the eye,
but little by little, line by line, pre-
cept by precept, the Church has
matured.

Church survives persecution

Simultaneous with the early
development of the Church was a
spirit of opposition and persecution.

PRESIDENT EZRA TAFT BENSON

45

Wherever the tiny "mustard seed"
was planted, attempts were made to
frustrate its growth. But notwith-
standing all the efforts to destroy the
work — even the murder of the
Prophet Joseph Smith and his
brother — the Church prospered and
grew. There were those who thought
the Church would fail with the deaths
of the martyrs Joseph and Hyrum,
but they did not perceive, as Daniel
foretold, that this latter-day kingdom
should "never be destroyed" (Dan.
2:44).

Just before the Prophet's death,
Brigham Young said, "The kingdom
is organized; and, although as yet no
bigger than a grain of mustard seed,
the little plant is in a flourishing con-
dition" (History of the Church,
6:354).

The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints is, as Daniel proph-
esied, a spiritual kingdom "cut out
of the mountain without hands"
(Dan. 2:45), meaning that it was be-
gun through the intervention of God.
It is not just another human in-
stitution. What other organizations or
churches ascribe their founding to the
declaration that messengers have
come to human beings from the God
of heaven with authority and power
to restore ordinances and keys lost by
apostasy?

The Church has survived exile
from four states, the harassment and
persecution of its members, an exter-
mination order from a governor, the
execution of its prophet, dis-
enfranchisement by the government,
and continuous persecution of its
leaders and people. That is what this
church endured and survived in the
first sixty years of its history — and it
was through such adversity, per-
secution, and impoverishment that
the Church gained strength and ma-
tured. By the time Joseph F. Smith,
the son of the Prophet Joseph's
brother Hyrum, became President, he
could say, "We have passed through

the stages of infancy . . . , and are
indeed approaching . . . manhood and
womanhood" (in Conference Report,
Apr. 1909, p. 2).

Opposition to the Church did
not subside with the twentieth cen-
tury, but gradually people came to
see us for what we stood for, rather
than what our enemies said about us.
Our Mormon boys fought in two
world wars and were recognized for
their standards and principles. During
the Great Depression of the thirties,
the Church came to be known for
independence, self-reliance, and tak-
ing care of its own. And over the
century, Latter-day Saints distin-
guished themselves in the fields of
science, education, medicine, busi-
ness, and other endeavors.

The Church flourishes

The missionary force brought a
harvest of converts from all over the
world. Seeds planted abroad as mis-
sions became stakes. Truly Zion had
put on her beautiful garments; her
borders had become enlarged (see
D&C 82:14). When Joseph Fielding
Smith, son of President Joseph F.
Smith, became President of the
Church, he declared: "We are com-
ing of age as a church and as a
people. We have attained the stature
and strength that are enabling us to
fulfill the commission given us by
the Lord through the Prophet Joseph
Smith that we should carry the glad
tidings of the restoration to every na-
tion and to all people" (in Confer-
ence Report, Manchester England
Area Conference 1971, p. 5).

Two years later, President
Smith's successor, President Harold
B. Lee, said: "Today we are wit-
nessing the demonstration of the
Lord's hand even in the midst of his
saints, the members of the Church.
Never in this dispensation, and per-
haps never before in any single pe-
riod, has there been such a feeling of

46

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

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urgency among the members of this
church as today. Her boundaries are
being enlarged, her stakes are being
strengthened. . . .

"No longer might this church be
thought of as the 'Utah church,' or
as an 'American church,' but the
membership of the Church is now
distributed over the earth" (Ensign,
July 1973, pp. 4, 5).

One year ago, President Kimball
stood at this pulpit and said: "Since
we last met in general confer-
ence. . . , we have witnessed much
growth and expansion of the Lord's
kingdom. . . .

"We have established new mis-
sions covering almost all of the free
world, and we are turning our atten-
tion more diligently now to one day
sharing the gospel with our Father's
children behind the so-called iron and
bamboo curtains. We have need to
prepare for that day. The urgency of
that preparation weighs heavily upon
us. That day may come with more
swiftness than we realize.

"Every year now we are adding
approximately a hundred new
stakes. . . .

"I rejoice with you, my brothers
and sisters, in these statistical evi-
dences of the progress and growth
throughout Zion" (Ensign, May
1979, p. 4).

Yes, as we indulge in retrospect
after 150 years of existence, we re-
joice and declare the progress has
been marvelous and wonderful. We
thank the Lord for His merciful
blessings. We do not hesitate to as-
cribe the success and progress of the
Church to His omnipotent direction.

But now — what of the future?

No neutral stand

We assuredly expect additional
progress, growth, and increased spiri-
tuality. We will see our missionaries
cover the earth with the message of
the Restoration. We will see temples

in every land where the gospel has
penetrated, symbolizing the truth that
families, living and deceased, may
be joined together in love and eternal
family associations. But we must
also be reminded that there will be
ever-present efforts to obstruct the
work.

In 1845, the Quorum of the
Twelve issued an epistle to the heads
of state in the world. I quote from
one paragraph:

"As this work progresses in its
onward course, and becomes more
and more an object of political and
religious interest and excitement, no
king, ruler, or subject, no community
or individual, will stand neutral. All
will at length be influenced by one
spirit or the other; and will take sides
either for or against the kingdom of
God" (James R. Clark, comp., Mes-
sages of the First Presidency of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, 6 vols., Salt Lake City:
Bookcraft, 1965-75, 1:257).

That day is now here. Opposi-
tion has been and will be the lot of
the Saints of the kingdom in any age.
The finger of scorn has been pointed
at us in the past, and we may expect
it in the future. We also expect to
see men in high places defend the
Church; there will also be "pha-
raohs" who know neither Joseph nor
his brethren. The seed planted and
watered in 1830 has now matured to
a fully grown tree for all to see.
Some will seek the refuge of its
shade in the heat of the day, but
none will be neutral in their appraisal
of its fruit.

The Church will continue its op-
position to error, falsehood, and im-
morality. The mission of the Church
is to herald the message of salvation
and make unmistakably clear the
pathway to exaltation. Our mission is
to prepare a people for the coming of
the Lord. As the world drifts further
away from God and standards of vir-
tue and honor, we may expect oppo-

PRESIDENT EZRA TAFT BENSON

47

sition to the work of the Church. We
may expect to see the time, as the
Book of Mormon forecasts, when
"multitudes . . . among all the na-
tions of the Gentiles [will gather] to
fight against the Lamb of God" (1
Ne. 14:13). The power of God and
the righteousness of the Saints will
be the means by which the Church
will be spared (see 1 Ne. 14:14-15).

Great need for faithfulness

Never before in our 150-year
history has there been greater need
for faithfulness among our members.
Now is the time for all who claim
membership in The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints to stand
firm and demonstrate their allegiance
to the kingdom of God. It cannot be
done as a critic or as an idle specta-
tor on the sidelines. This is the time
to answer the rally cry of our fathers:

Who's on the Lord's side? Who?

Now is the time to show;

We ask it fearlessly:

Who' s on the Lord' s side? Who?

(Hymns, no. 175).

Appeal to inactive priesthood bearers

I call on all inactive priesthood
holders — you who, for reasons best
known to yourselves, are dis-
associated from your quorums and
church. You have formed new affi-
liations, and now some of you have
become disinterested in the Church
and no longer conform to its stan-
dards. Unhappily, many of your fam-
ilies tread in your paths and follow
your examples. Brethren, when we
fail to be true to our priesthood
promises, the price we and our loved
ones are forced to pay might well be
entitled "the high cost for low liv-
ing." What a blessing you would be
to your wives and children if you
would harmonize your lives with
your covenants. O, brethren of the

priesthood, how we need your sup-
port, affiliation, and strength! Do not
desert the cause of God at a time
when the conflict is most imminent.
Make President John Taylor's slogan
your commitment: "The kingdom of
God or nothing!" (in Journal of Dis-
courses, 6:26).

We appeal to you to put aside
habits that prevent you from affiliat-
ing with your brethren. Put aside
your worldliness and renew your
covenants. If you have differences
with fellow members, go to them, or
to your priesthood leaders, and talk
them out. Don't allow differences to
canker your soul and set you in op-
position to the Church. You will find
your brethren waiting to put their
arms around you and welcome you
into fellowship. You are our brethren
in the priesthood and we love you.

Keep covenants

Brothers and sisters, be faithful
to the Church. Be strong in your
callings. Keep your covenants, and
God will bless you and preserve you
in the trying days ahead.

On the anniversary of the one
hundredth birthday of the Church,
President Heber J. Grant gave this
counsel to the Saints: "Refrain from
evil; do that which is good. Visit the
sick, comfort those who are in sor-
row, clothe the naked, feed the hun-
gry, care for the widow and the
fatherless. Observe the laws of health
which the Lord has revealed, and
keep yourselves unspotted from the
sins of the world. Pay your tithes and
offerings, and the Lord will open the
windows of heaven and pour out
blessings until there shall not be
room to contain them. Be obedient to
the laws of God and the civil laws of
the country in which you reside, and
uphold and honor those who are cho-
sen to administer them" (Messages
of the First Presidency, 5:286). We
renew that counsel to you today.

48

Saturday, April 5

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Nothing can stop God's work

This is the spiritual kingdom of
God moving forward in its divine
course to fill the earth, a truly mar-
velous work and a wonder! As we
contemplate our past and future, may
we remember the prophecy of Joseph
Smith, words that I testify are true:
"No unhallowed hand can stop the
work from progressing; persecutions
may rage, mobs may combine, ar-
mies may assemble, calumny may
defame, but the truth of God will go
forth boldly, nobly, and independent,
till it has penetrated every continent,
visited every clime, swept every
country, and sounded in every ear,
till the purposes of God shall be ac-
complished, and the Great Jehovah
shall say the work is done" (History
of the Church, 4:540).

My brothers and sisters, this
work is true. Humbly I bear this wit-
ness to all the world.

May God bless us all to be
faithful and valiant, giving our first
allegiance to God and His kingdom.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

President Ezra Taft Benson,
President of the Council of the
Twelve Apostles, has been our con-
cluding speaker.

We remind the brethren of the
general priesthood meeting which will

convene here in the Tabernacle this
evening at 7 P.M.

KSL Radio and KIRO Radio at
Seattle will rebroadcast sessions over
extensive distances beginning at
midnight following each conference
day's proceedings.

Video cassettes of conference
sessions will be sent to Church lead-
ers in Europe to enable members to
watch conference in chapels.

The nationwide CBS Radio Tab-
ernacle Choir broadcast tomorrow
morning will be from 9:30 to 10:00
A.M. Those desiring to attend this
broadcast must be in their seats no
later than 9:15 A.M.

The singing for this session has
been furnished by the Relief Society
choir. We are grateful for the contri-
butions you sisters have made and for
the beautiful spirit your music has
added to this meeting.

The choir will now sing in
closing "Though Deepening Trials."
Following the singing, the benedic-
tion will be offered by Elder F. Bur-
ton Howard, a member of the First
Quorum of the Seventy.

The choir sang "Though Deep-
ening Trials. "

Elder F. Burton Howard pro-
nounced the benediction.

GENERAL PRIESTHOOD MEETING

THIRD SESSION

The general priesthood meeting
convened in the Tabernacle at 7:00
P.M. on Saturday, April 5, 1980.
President N. Eldon Tanner, First
Councilor in the First Presidency,
conducted this session.

The music was provided by an
Aaronic Priesthood choir from the
Jordan, Jordan South, Sandy,
Midvale, Crescent, Draper,
Taylorsville, and Taylors ville West
regions with Norman R. Wendel con-
ducting and Roy M. Darley at the
organ.

ELDER MARVIN J. ASHTON

49

President Tanner opened this
session with the following remarks:

President N. Eldon Tanner

President Spencer W. Kimball,
who is en route to Fayette, New
York, has asked me to conduct this
session.

Brethren, we are assembled in
the general priesthood session of the
150th Annual Conference of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.

These services are being relayed
by closed-circuit transmission and
will reach members of the priesthood
gathered in the Salt Palace and in
approximately 1,924 locations in the
United States, Canada, New Zealand,
Puerto Rico, Australia, the
Philippines, Korea, and, for the first
time, the Dominican Republic.

We extend our greetings and
blessings to all the priesthood mem-
bers assembled here in the Tabernacle
or elsewhere. We commend all mem-
bers of the priesthood who have made
arrangements to participate in this
important meeting.

We note that Elders O. Leslie
Stone and Rex D. Pinegar preside in
the Salt Palace, and Elder Adney Y.
Komatsu and Bishop J. Richard
Clarke preside at the BYU Marriott
Center.

For the information of the breth-
ren in outlying areas, we announce
that at the general session this morn-
ing sisters Dwan J. Young, Virginia
B. Cannon, and Michaelene P.
Grassli were sustained as the new

general presidency of the Primary
Association.

The singing during this session
will be furnished by an Aaronic
Priesthood choir from the Jordan,
Jordan South, Sandy, Midvale,
Crescent, Draper, Taylorsville, and
Taylorsville West regions under the
direction of Norman Wendel with
Roy Darley at the organ. I would like
to say what a fine-looking group of
Aaronic Priesthood we have here
tonight!

We shall begin this service by
the choir singing "Oh, How Lovely
Was the Morning." Following the
singing, Elder Loren C. Dunn, a
member of the First Quorum of the
Seventy, and Executive Administrator
of the Australia, New Zealand Area,
will offer the invocation.

The choir sang the hymn "Oh,
How Lovely Was the Morning."

Elder Loren C. Dunn offered the
invocation.

President Tanner

The choir will now favor us with
"I Face the World" and "I Am a
Mormon Boy," after which we shall
be pleased to hear from Elder Marvin
J. Ashton, a member of the Council
of the Twelve Apostles.

The choir rendered the numbers
"I Face the World" and "I Am a
Mormon Boy. "

Elder Marvin J. Ashton

When our prophet, Spencer W. background. The grating sounds of

Kimball, and I walked through the the steel bars against the concrete

admittance door of the Utah State floor and walls let me know where I

Prison a few days ago, the sound of was again. The total situation was

sliding, electronically controlled cell familiar to me. I had been in prison

doors could be heard clanging in the many times before (as a visitor).

50

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

President Kimball visits prison

It was President Kimball's first
visit. Once past the heavily guarded
door, we were escorted to Warden
Lawrence Morris's office, located
near the front of the medium security
area. Even after we were safely seat-
ed in his office, I was still filled with
real anxieties. I hoped conditions
would be completely under control
with no disturbances possible. There
must not be any interference or inter-
ruption during the visit of the
prophet. I was responsible for this
trip, and as we sat there together,
this total situation weighed heavily
upon me. Past experience had taught
me that the behavior of some inmates
is unpredictable. Fortunately the able
warden had prepared well, and con-
ditions in and around his office were
ideally calm and quiet. To my great
relief it appeared that the "grape-
vine" means of communication in-
side the prison had not learned of the
President's coming.

What had attracted President
Kimball to the prison? Why was he
there? What was his special interest?
What was on his mind? Was there a
certain inmate he wanted to see?
Why should he expose himself to this
dangerous environment, when he had
mountains of responsibilities needing
his attention in his own office?

With this latest prison visit over
and having had a few days to reflect
on and ponder the situation, I now
know that President Spencer W.
Kimball went there for many reasons
and people. Being at his side and
seeing him share himself with these
special people will always be one of
the choicest experiences of my life. I
learned much. I was with a prophet
in an unstable environment. My sen-
ior companion, if you please, taught
me well. As we traveled together to
the prison, visited there, and returned
in the car, the warmth and wisdom
of this mighty man renewed in me a

thrilling appreciation for his
greatness.

Leadership traits

Let me share with you, espe-
cially you members of the Aaronic
Priesthood, some of the leadership
traits I witnessed during this tour
with President Kimball. As we re-
view and think together, I hope that
we can apply these same traits in our
lives. We can accomplish more and
become stronger individually by fol-
lowing his example.

After a short visit in his office,
the warden invited two inmates to
come in and meet President Kimball.
As they hesitatingly came in, Presi-
dent Kimball stood up, shook their
hands, and gave them a warm wel-
come. Here was a prophet with two
prisoners. I watched with keen inter-
est. What would President Kimball
say following the greeting? "What
are your special jobs out here?
Where is your home? Tell me about
your family. Are you working on the
construction of the new chapel?"
These were some of his questions —
all of which were free of criticism
and embarrassment. Perhaps others
would have been inclined to say
under these circumstances, "How
long is your prison sentence? What
was your crime? How long have you
been here? Your family can't be very
proud of you. You ought to be
ashamed wasting your life in jail.
Why don't you shape up?"

President Kimball set the ex-
ample for me and for all of us as he
conducted this personal interview, if
you please, with skill and sincerity.
In a very few minutes, with few, but
appropriate, words, he let the two
prisoners know he was with them be-
cause he cares.

When this short visit with the
two prisoners was over, we were to
make our way to the prison chapel.

ELDER MARVIN J. ASHTON

51

When we were outside again, it was
about 10:30 A.M., with the tempera-
ture near 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Would you like to ride or walk the
two-block distance?" President Kim-
ball was asked. He responded with,
"I would like to walk." Since Presi-
dent Kimball was without a top coat,
his personal secretary, D. Arthur
Haycock, started to take his off to
share with the President. President
Kimball said, "No, thank you. You
keep it on. If I walk, I won't need
it." Just a routine appreciation ges-
ture? Perhaps, some would say. But
to me it was evidence of President
Kimball's courteous way of life.

As President Kimball walked the
distance to the new chapel site with
the wardens, prisoners, and a few
others of us, I was close enough at
hand to hear his constant questions
and concerns. He listened intently as
answers were given and situations of
interest pointed out. I was impressed
again with his concern for people,
their confinement and treatment.

Once within the walls of the
chapel under construction, he took
time to shake hands with workers,
some of whom were prisoners, and
with other visitors who were now
aware of his presence. He seemed to
take time for everyone. People never
seemed to be a bother. I saw a num-
ber of workers jump down from scaf-
folds to shake his hand. In some
cases I saw his arm go out to them
before they could clean mortar and
dirt from their fingers. They and
leaders from other churches heard
him say, "This interdenominational
worship facility will help prisoners
find their way back." He also added,
"The Church and our people are
happy to be participants in any and
all community projects that are wor-
thy." Once again I was impressed
with his wholesome relationship with
all people.

Respect and dignity

The highlight of the chapel in-
spection tour and the prison visit in
general, it seemed to me, came when
two inmates were invited to stand at
the side of the prophet in the min-
imum security reception area for pic-
ture taking. As the President
welcomed them forward and later put
his arms around them, he said, "It is
an honor for me to have my picture
taken with you." The two prisoners
were obviously touched by his com-
ment. Others of us again saw the
greatness and stature of the one we
love so much. Respect and human
dignity were witnessed. Again he
taught well that all people are en-
titled to be treated as human beings,
wherever they are found and regard-
less of where they have been. Presi-
dent Kimball, it was obvious, is a
foe of sin but a friend of the sinner.
The scripture found in D&C 50:26
came forcefully to my mind: "He
that is ordained of God and sent
forth, the same is appointed to be the
greatest, notwithstanding he is the
least and the servant of all. "

As we were finishing our visit,
one inmate rushed up to me and said,
"I didn't get a chance to shake Presi-
dent Kimball's hand. Would you
please tell him I love him?" Another
prisoner responded with, "I'm not a
Mormon, but he's got to be a special
guy." Some day I hope that prisoner
finds out what a special guy Presi-
dent Kimball really is.

As we walked back to the car to
return to Salt Lake City, this choice
experience with the prophet brought
to mind the story of Parley P. Pratt
when he and the Prophet Joseph
Smith were together in a prison in
Richmond, Missouri. The situation
was much different, but the same
witness of true dignity and majesty
was enjoyed. (See Parley P. Pratt,

52

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

Jr., ed., The Autobiography of Par-
ley P. Pratt, Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book Company, 1938, pp. 193-200,
210-215, 230-240.) I, too, saw true
majesty when a prison visitor per-
formed and spoke under God's au-
thority and shared himself fearlessly.

All men basically good

Before we drove away from the
prison compound, President Kimball
viewed the maximum security area.
When he looked at the extra fences,
towers, guards, and isolated location,
he commented on how unfortunate it
is when men can't be given freedom,
responsibilities, and the joys of
work. "All men are basically good.
Some just lose their way and need to
be led back into proper paths and
habits," he said.

President Kimball asked the
warden how the Church's family
home evening program was doing at
the prison. (President Kimball had
been instrumental in its implementa-
tion years ago.) When told it was
most successful, he was very
pleased. The warden informed him
that each week dozens of families
continue to go to the prison on Mon-
day evenings to provide family expe-
riences for those qualified to be
involved. These good people serve as
families for inmates who don't have
them. Their relationship, which very
often goes on after prisoners are re-
leased, provides an excellent anchor
in rehabilitation. The strength of the
family is available on a regular basis.
President Kimball has long been a
believer that every person is entitled
to family relationships, and when
told that some inmates have their
first real family experiences through
this program, he was delighted.

During the tour of the new cha-
pel and the walk between the build-
ings, there were always a number of
young and old nearby to assist and
respond to President Kimball's ques-

tions. After hearing President Kim-
ball refer to me a number of times as
"Marv" as we walked together, one
of the younger set was impressed to
say, "Isn't it kind of neat to have
President Kimball call you 'Marv'?"
I responded with, "Yes, it is, and it
is especially neat to know that Presi-
dent Spencer W. Kimball is a
prophet of God." I had again seen
him in action.

In the car returning to Salt Lake
City, President Kimball thanked us
time and again for taking him to the
prison. He felt good about the re-
sponse of those with whom he had
associated. "I hope you will make it
possible for me to go back again,"
he suggested. "Those people need
our love and constant encour-
agement."

Ten major points

What can we as priesthood
members and leaders learn from
President Kimball's trip to the pris-
on? Much, I hope. Could I just
quickly mention ten major points I
observed? I think they can help us all
be and do better if we will but follow
his example.

1. He demonstrated how to in-
terview "inactives," if you please,
with friendly and sincere comments.
His questions were free of embarrass-
ment, ridicule, and criticism. How
do you approach those who haven't
been seen for a while and you want
to reactivate?

2. He made others feel comfort-
able in his presence. He never talked
down to anyone. He was always
"one with" and not "one apart."
Do we know how to make our asso-
ciates feel comfortable during our
visits, or are they allowed to feel we
are just trying to improve our
percentages?

3. He listened intently to the
comments of his associates. Those
about him knew they had his atten-

ELDER MARVIN J. ASHTON

53

tion and his interest. I thought of the
scripture found in Luke 2:46-47:
"After three days they found him in
the temple, sitting in the midst of the
doctors, both hearing them, and ask-
ing them questions.

"And all that heard him were
astonished at his understanding and
answers." In this case perhaps we
are within our rights to paraphrase
this quotation a little and say, "After
a few minutes they found him in the
prison, sitting in the midst of the
prisoners, both hearing them and ask-
ing them questions.

"And all that heard him were
astonished at his capacity to ask and
listen. "

4. He was courteous. He knows
well the fifth point of the Boy Scout
Law and has undoubtedly been prac-
ticing it for more than seventy-five
years.

5. He treated every person he
met like a friend. He seemed to clas-
sify all he met into one category —
basically good. Do you have the skill
and capacity to be friendly to others
when, in your limited vision, they
may not seem to deserve it?

6. He expressed appreciation to
everyone. No favor or assistance was
ever taken for granted. "And in
nothing doth man offend God, or
against none is his wrath kindled,
save those who confess not his hand
in all things" (D&C 59:21). Some
who escape our love and quorum as-
sociations are starving for a word of
encouragement and appreciation.

7. He exhibited a dignity and
poise that was most impressive. Gov-
ernor Scott M. Matheson of the State
of Utah was on hand during Presi-
dent Kimball's tour. As I walked,
talked, and visited with both men, I
was greatly impressed with the fact
that the governor received the same
treatment from President Kimball as
did the inmates. Do you have the
capacity to love the nonattender as

much as you do the 100-percent
attender?

8. He despises sin, but he loves
the sinner. When I saw his arms go
around the shoulders of the prisoners,
I was touched. Are we beneath or
above this type of behavior?

9. He is available to all God's
children. He made prisoners feel they
were doing him a favor to let him
have his picture taken with them. As
I watched him in his personal associ-
ations, never once did I see him
avoid a situation or an individual.
When they wanted to shake his hand
or have a picture, there was never
"I'm tired" or "not now."

10. He took long and mean-
ingful strides in the direction of all
who were inclined to hesitate. He
seems determined to bring those on
the edges back. Do we have the
same kind of continuing approach
with those who are temporarily
sidelined?

Heartwarming example

I am glad the time and condi-
tions were right for President Kim-
ball to visit his friends in prison and
that I could be with him. One prison-
er who stood by his side for the pic-
ture is serving time for theft and
burglary; the other is there for man-
slaughter. One was a member, one a
nonmember. His greetings to them,
"It is an honor for me to have my
picture taken with you," continues to
ring in my ears. "I was in prison,
and ye came unto me" (Matt.
25:36). Once again we have the
heartwarming example of seeing how
widely our President can spread his
arms in love. He makes room for all
of us. He will not give up on
anyone.

It is my hope and prayer that we
will have the courage in our lives,
homes, and quorums to lift, lead,
and love in the way I saw demon-

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strated by a prophet in prison. This I
humbly ask in the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder Marvin J. Ashton, a mem-
ber of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, has just addressed us.

We shall now hear from Elder
Paul H. Dunn, a member of the First
Quorum of the Seventy. He will be
followed by Elder A. Theodore
Tuttle, a member of the First Quorum
of the Seventy and president of the
Provo Temple.

Elder Paul H. Dunn

"Time-out"

Like many of you, I really enjoy
sports. Sports often teach great les-
sons. The other night while I was
watching an NCAA championship
basketball game, I heard one of the
players call out that familiar word,
"time!" The team ran to the sidelines
to receive some instructions from the
man who could give them some
help — the coach. And he did.

Isn't it interesting that, generally
speaking, a team calls time-out when
they're in trouble, when they need to
regroup? I recall many times in my
career when we'd call "time," and
the catcher or the pitching coach or
the manager would come to the
mound and give me some needed in-
structions or encouragement. Some-
times the language was a little
different, but the counsel was most
always appreciated, sometimes even
humorous.

I recall in one of my first pro-
fessional games many years ago, in
the very first inning the first three
hitters hit safely, all of them on the
first pitch. Out of the dugout came
the pitching coach. The catcher
joined him, and the three of us as-
sembled on the mound.

The pitching coach turned to my
catcher and said, "What in the world
has Paul got on the ball anyway?"

The catcher said, "I don't
know. I haven't seen it yet."

Well, what's that got to do with
you and me? Life, you know, is a

little like "the big game." There are
times when you and I need to call
time-out. Have you ever had the ex-
perience of loading the bases while
continuing to throw high and wide?
Have you experienced "fourth down
and one" on the goal line with ten
seconds left? Have you watched your
twenty-point lead dwindle to two? Or
in life's game do you have a chal-
lenge controlling your temper or lan-
guage? Is that personal weakness
you've noticed still not under con-
trol? Are school subjects your ne-
mesis? Are your finances ready to
pull you under? Is your family solid-
arity sitting on shifting sand? And
most important of all, are you trying
to do it alone? Or have you been
smart enough to call time-out to ask
the coach for help?

Prayer

You know, it doesn't always
have to be a formal prayer, my
young brethren. You can do it as you
drive in the car, on a date, in the
privacy of your room, or on the play-
ing field.

I'm reminded of something I
read just the other day. Let me share
it with you. It seems that a small boy
was trying to lift a heavy stone, but
couldn't budge it. His father, watch-
ing very interestedly, said, "Are you
sure you're using all of your
strength?"

"Yes, I am!" the boy cried.

ELDER PAUL H. DUNN

55

"No, you're not," said the
father. "You haven't asked me to
help you. "

Well, let me just tell you that
however tight the game seems at the
moment, I know the coach and I
know that He can help. There is a
personal and loving God who knows
all of the plays. He understands the
game of life. He understands you and
me. And he understands what you
and I need now to help in our lives.
Talking to him is an easy thing,
really. All you have to do is call
time-out. Say to yourself, "I've had
it. I need help." And be prepared to
listen. Say to him, "I can't take any
more of this running without seeing
clearly where the bases are or the
direction I'm headed."

Great leaders pray

Are you aware that all through
history great leaders have called
time-out? Washington at Valley
Forge, Lincoln seeking answers in
the war, Joseph Smith in the grove.
This was true of the prophets of old:
Abraham sought God; Moses called
upon the Lord. Nephi, a great young
champion, says in his own account:
"I, Nephi, being exceeding young
[like many of you], nevertheless
being large in stature, and also hav-
ing great desires to know of the mys-
teries of God, wherefore, I did cry
unto the Lord; and behold he did
visit me, and did soften my heart that
I did believe all the words which had
been spoken by my father; where-
fore, I did not rebel against him like
unto my brothers" (1 Ne. 2:16).

Accounts such as these in scrip-
ture have always given me great
courage to do likewise. That's why I
think the prophets, even the leaders
today, have counseled us to know the
scriptures that we might be motivated
to seek help.

Military experiences

Fortunately, like many of you, I
came from a home where that kind
of influence was available. Near my
eighteenth birthday I was drafted into
World War II. I found myself in an
entirely new environment. I had al-
ways been taught in my home to take
time out at night to pray, but I found
this a little delicate, where in a typi-
cal barrack, there would be over fifty
men on a floor. I used to try to get a
bunk near the end of the room,
where there would be a little privacy,
and I would wait until the lights
would go out before I would crawl
out of bed to say my prayers.

I remember at Fort MacArthur
everything went well for the first few
nights and then finally one night,
shortly after the lights went out, I
crawled out of bed and knelt down to
pray. About that time two half-
stewed characters came in, flipped on
the lights, and aroused all of us. A
couple of fellows across the aisle
from me saw me on my knees. Typi-
cal of that kind of environment, they
started to poke fun. One of them,
pointing to me, shouted so all could
hear, "Hey, holy Paul, pray for
me!" I felt a little chagrined and
somewhat embarrassed and I thought
to myself, "Now, what do you do?"

My mother had taught me a
great principle. She used to say: "In
delicate situations, use a sense of hu-
mor. It always helps." So while still
on my knees, I squared my shoul-
ders, looked at both of the soldiers,
and said: "Would you give me your
full names because I don't think the
Lord knows you." Later, I'm
pleased to say, they did come to
know the Lord because they too took
time-out.

I noticed later, when we got into
combat, that in my battalion— the
305th Infantry— the word soon got
around: "Get in Dunn's squad. He

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Saturday, April 5

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always comes back." Many is the
time that I shared a foxhole with
anxious soldiers where we took time-
out to talk to our Eternal Coach,
even our Heavenly Father.

I remember the time so well as
we were preparing for my very first
invasion, sitting out in the Pacific on
a troop ship with three thousand men
aboard. This large group of soldiers
represented the first seven waves in
the invasion force. Prior to dis-
embarking, one of the Protestant
chaplains held a final church service.
He had us all look around and get
acquainted with each other and then
he said: "Now, gentlemen, I don't
want to worry you, but do you real-
ize by tomorrow morning at eight
o'clock, many of you will be stand-
ing before your Maker? Are you
ready?"

Well, how would you feel,
young men, if that challenge were
hurled at you? At that time I was
almost nineteen. Shortly after the ser-
vice I found a secluded spot on the
ship and called time-out and talked to
my Heavenly Father. I didn't sleep
that night nor did most of the men.
The next morning as the seven waves
of infantry went ashore, many not
making it, I dug my first foxhole and
took another time-out. I remember
the event well. I called upon my
Heavenly Father and said, "I really
need to know if thou art there."
Heavenly Father spoke to my mind,
and I haven't been the same since.

Power of prayer

Will you learn, my young breth-
ren, to take time-out? It even works
in sports, because of the amazing in-
fluence it wields. I remember my
first professional season, playing in a
strange town; I had joined the club at
midseason. The catcher, who was
also the manager, was old enough to
be my father. He was an old profes-
sional ballplayer from the Washing-

ton Senators and had had much
experience. The team was a rough
lot. I remember so well one night
while visiting in a distant town,
about two o'clock a knock came at
my hotel door. I got up and an-
swered it, and there standing in the
framework was my manager.

He said, "Paul, may I come

in?"

And I said, "Please do. What's
the matter?"

He said, "Close the door, and
whatever you do don't tell the others
I came."

I said, "Well, I won't."

He responded: "I've been
watching you for these past two
months. You know the Lord, don't
you?"

I said, "I think he's my
friend. "

He said, "Would you help me
find him?"

We sat down in the room, and
for over two hours talked about God,
the Eternal Father and his Son, Jesus
Christ. Tears began to form in his
eyes.

I said, "Danny, have you ever
prayed?"

He said, "No. "

I said, "Would it offend you to
pray with me?"

"Well," he said, "not if you
will pray."

I said, "I would be honored."

So together we knelt down be-
side my bed, and talked to Heavenly
Father. We took time-out. And as we
arose from our knees, he pushed
back the tears, threw his arms around
me, almost choked me to death, and
said, "Thank you, thank you. Could
we do this some more?"

I said, "As often as you would
like."

We did on several other occa-
sions. But you know what else was
interesting? Before the season ended,
several other knocks came at my
door. One night it was the first base-

ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE

57

man, then the shortstop, and the left
fielder. And each in his own wonder-
ful way said, "Don't tell the
others."

I learned on that occasion that
people are really seeking and want
what you and I have. God bless you,

my wonderful brethren, to have the
wisdom and strength to call time-out
and visit with your Heavenly Father.
He really lives, as does his Son, to
which I testify in the holy name of
Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder A. Theodore Tuttle

Brethren, something has hap-
pened to me. For twenty-two years I
have been a General Authority. I have
traveled the world over in my min-
istry. Over the course of these years, I
have had marvelous experiences and
have met many wonderful people. I
have participated in sacred meetings.
The choice association with my breth-
ren has taught and inspired me. Now
something has happened — I have been
called to serve in a temple.

Greatest responsibility to seek after
dead

I want to bear witness — and my
witness is true — that the work for the
redemption of the living and the dead
is divine. It is a keystone of our
religion. The work performed in tem-
ples stays the judgments of God from
smiting the earth with a curse. It is
not unusual, therefore, that the
Prophet Joseph would say, "The
greatest responsibility in this world
that God has laid upon us [as individ-
uals] is to seek after our dead"
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph
Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith,
Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Com-
pany, 1938, p. 356).

The Prophet Joseph taught that
you and I are to become saviors on
Mount Zion. We are to gather, build
temples, seek after our dead, and
perform all the vital ordinances. This
work welds eternal links that bind us
to each other and to our fathers. We
are exalted as family units.

The Prophet Joseph said, "It is
necessary . . . that a . . . welding to-
gether of dispensations . . . should
take place . . . from the days of
Adam even to the present time"
(D&C 128:18).

Then go, brethren. Be sealed to
your wife and your sons and daugh-
ters. Be sealed to your fathers as far
back as you can. Temples are built to
perform these sacred ordinances. It is
sad that in some of our larger centers
temple work is presently lagging.
Leaders, strengthen temple work!
The Prophet Joseph warned, "Those
Saints who neglect it in behalf of
their deceased relatives, do it at the
peril of their own salvation" (Teach-
ings, p. 193).

Yet in his anxiety the Prophet
once observed, "But there has been
a great difficulty in getting anything
into the heads of this generation. It
has been like splitting hemlock knots
with a corndodger for a wedge, and a
pumpkin for a beetle. Even the
Saints are slow to understand"
(Teachings, p. 331).

Importance of genealogy

Our performance manifests that
we are giving neither sufficient time
nor attention to temple work. Genea-
logical research needs more vigor.
Submittal of the four-generation
sheets must be hastened. This pro-
gram was announced thirteen years
ago. Since that time nearly half the
present members of the Church have

58

Saturday, April 5

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First Day

either been born or baptized. We ask
you leaders, Where are the four-gen-
eration sheets from all these new
members? As a matter of fact, where
are yours? Will you see that this
work is done, brethren? This is an
inspired program.

Once you complete your four
generations, you are not finished.
Continue to search out all of your
ancestral lines. The four-generation
project becomes a platform for
launching further research. In fact,
this is one place where you move
forward by reaching backward! "It is
our duty," counseled Elder John A.
Widtsoe, "to secure as complete
genealogies as possible, to discover
our fathers and mothers back to the
last generation, to connect, if it may
be possible, with Adam, our first
father upon the earth — a duty which
we cannot escape" ("Genealogical
Activities in Europe," Utah Genea-
logical and Historical Magazine,
July 1931, p. 104).

There are great promises to
those who do this. All who diligently
search realize that help comes — often
from the other side of the veil. You
see, they are organized and working
there at least as well as we are here!

Elder Melvin J. Ballard testified
that "the spirit and influence of your
dead will guide those who are inter-
ested in finding those records. If
there is anywhere on the earth any-
thing concerning them, you will find
it" (Bryant S. Hinckley, Sermons
and Missionary Services of Melvin
Joseph Ballard Salt Lake City: Dese-
ret Book Company, 1949, p. 230;
italics added). And Elder Widtsoe
said, "I have the feeling . . . that
those who give themselves with all
their might and main to this work
receive help from the other side, and
not merely in gathering genealogies.
Whoever seeks to help those on the
other side receives help in return in
all the affairs of life" ("Genealogical
Activities," p. 104).

I testify that this is true.

This testimony is echoed by
thousands of humble Latter-day
Saints whose labors bear witness of
this truth! Elisha's words have been
vindicated: "Fear not: for they that
be with us are more than they that be
with [the enemy]" (2 Kings 6:16).

Family and priesthood leaders
involvement

We have introduced the name-
extraction program in many areas in
order that the work might progress
better. Brethren, assist this work
wherever possible.

Young men and young women
must not be left out of the joys of
this special work. Deacons, do you
have a Book of Remembrance? What
about you teachers and priests? Have
you started your own life story? Are
you collecting pictures, certificates,
and spiritual experiences to add inter-
est? Assisting your parents in the
search for your relatives often deve-
lops real pride in your heritage.

You may have heard of the
young man who got involved in this
work. He was sent to the department
store to buy some genealogical sup-
plies. He asked the first clerk he
saw, "Do you have any family group
sheets?" Perplexed, the young lady
replied, "Well we have twin-size
sheets, double, and queen size, but
I'm not sure whether we have family
group sheets! "

To all who may want to help in
preserving family history, we issue
an invitation now to come to the
World Conference on Records this
coming August. This conference is
designed to assist all of us to do
redemptive work for the dead in a
better way.

You leaders in the stakes,
wards, and quorums, assume the ad-
ditional duty to see that every man in
your priesthood quorum fulfills his
responsibility with respect to his

ELDER CARLOS E. ASAY

59

dead. I quote from President Marion
G. Romney concerning the signifi-
cance of holy covenants: "We are
individually responsible and will be
held accountable for the way in
which we ourselves keep the cov-
enants we enter into, and we shall
also be accountable for the breaking
of covenants by others for whom we
are responsible insofar as such
breaking is the result of our failure
to teach them" (ENSIGN, Nov. 1975,
p. 73; italics added). Ponder that
thought!

A supernal work

Brethren, the great priesthood
leaders of past dispensations look to
us to move this work. All the righ-
teous men and women who ever
lived look to us! We are their only
hope for salvation. We hold the key
to their prison doors. We must set
them free! How can we any longer
ignore their right to salvation? Presi-
dent Brigham Young said, "When I
think upon this subject, I want the
tongues of seven thunders to wake up
the people ' ' (Discourses of Brigham
Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe, Salt

Lake City: Deseret Book Company,
1941, p. 404).

It was this supernal work — re-
demption of the living and the
dead — of which the Prophet Joseph
spoke when he said, "Brethren, shall
we not go on in so great a cause? Go
forward and not backward. Courage,
brethren; and on, on to the vic-
tory! . . . Let the dead speak forth
anthems of eternal praise to the King
Immanuel, ... for the prisoners
shall go free" (D&C 128:22).

O God, please grant that the
spirit of Elijah may fall upon the vast
body of priesthood in thy Church, to
cause thy great work to move for-
ward. In the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder Paul H. Dunn, a member
of the First Quorum of the Seventy,
has addressed us, followed by Elder
A. Theodore Turtle, also a member of
the First Quorum of the Seventy and
president of the Provo Temple.

Elder Carlos E. Asay, a member
of the Presidency of the First Quorum
of the Seventy, will be our next
speaker.

Elder Carlos E. Asay

Salt

I hold in my hand a test tube
filled with salt. Salt, as you know,
contains two elements — sodium and
chlorine — and is known chemically as
sodium chloride.

This white substance occupies
an important place in our lives. It is
essential to health; body cells must
have salt in order to live and work. It
has antiseptic, or germ-killing, prop-
erties. It is a preservative. It is an
ingredient in many foods and prod-
ucts. And it is estimated that there
are more than fourteen thousand uses
for salt.

According to the historians,
"Salt at one time had religious sig-
nificance, and was a symbol of pu-
rity. . . . Among many peoples, salt
is still used as a sign of honor,
friendship, and hospitality. The
Arabs say 'there is salt between us,'
meaning 'we have eaten together,
and are friends' " (The World Book
Encyclopedia, 1978, 17:69).

The Organizer and Creator of
this world understood perfectly the
nature and importance of salt. More
than thirty-five references to this sub-
stance are found in the scriptures. In

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Saturday, April 5

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First Day

the Old Testament mention is made
of a "covenant of salt" (see Lev.
2:13; Num. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5). In
the New Testament the Savior re-
ferred to his disciples as the "salt of
the earth," and charged them to re-
tain their savor (Matt. 5:13). He re-
peated this charge to his chosen
disciples on the American continent:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you,
I give unto you to be the salt of the
earth; but if the salt shall lose its
savor, wherewith shall the earth be
salted? The salt shall be thenceforth
good for nothing, but to be cast out
and to be trodden under foot of
men" (3 Ne. 12:13).

How many times have we read,
or heard others read, this scripture?
Yet, do we understand fully the "salt
of the earth" message? Are we con-
versant with the analogy? Are we re-
sponding properly to its implications?

Permit me to speak of the "sav-
or" and "savior" roles which we
have been called to fulfill as mem-
bers of the priesthood and as the salt
of the modern world.

Savor of men

In 1833 Joseph Smith received a
revelation which included these in-
structions: "When men are called
into mine everlasting gospel, and
covenant with an everlasting cov-
enant, they are accounted as the salt
of the earth and the savor of men;

' 'They are called to be the savor
of men" (D&C 101:39-40; italics
added).

The word savor (s-a-v-o-r) de-
notes taste, pleasing flavor, interest-
ing quality, and high repute.

The salt in container A, which I
am holding in my right hand, has
savor. That is, it is clean, pure, un-
contaminated, and useful. In this
state or condition, salt will preserve,
flavor, heal, and perform other useful
functions.

The salt in container B, how-
ever, is salt that has lost its savor. It

has lost its savor because it has been
mixed with things of bad taste. In
fact, it has taken on some of the
color and appearance of other
substances .

When the Lord used the expres-
sion "savor of men," he was speak-
ing of those who represent him. He
was referring to those who have re-
pented, who have been washed clean
in the waters of baptism, and who
have covenanted to take upon them
his name and his cause. Moreover,
he was speaking of those who would
share by covenant his priesthood
power. He was speaking of you and
me.

A world-renowned chemist told
me that salt will not lose its savor
with age. Savor is lost through mix-
ture and contamination. Similarly,
priesthood power does not dissipate
with age; it, too, is lost through mix-
ture and contamination.

When a young man or older
man mixes his thoughts with por-
nographic literature, he suffers a loss
of savor.

When a priesthood bearer mixes
his speech with lies or profanity, he
suffers a loss of savor.

When one of us follows the
crowd and becomes involved in im-
moral acts and the use of drugs, to-
bacco, alcohol, and other injurious
substances, he loses savor.

Flavor and quality flee a man
when he contaminates his mind with
unclean thoughts, desecrates his
mouth by speaking less than the
truth, and misapplies his strength in
performing evil acts. King Benjamin
cautioned, "Watch yourselves, and
your thoughts, and your words, and
your deeds, and observe the com-
mandments of God" (Mosiah 4:30).

I would offer these simple
guidelines, especially to the young
men, as the means to preserve one's
savor: If it is not clean, do not think
it; if it is not true, do not speak it; if
it is not good, do not do it (see

ELDER CARLOS E. AS AY

61

Marcus Aurelius, "The Meditations
of Marcus Aurelius," in The Har-
vard Classics, Charles W. Eliot, ed.,
New York: P. F. Collier and Son,
1909, p. 211).

Cleanliness, truth, and goodness
have always been and will ever be
the watchwords of men with savor. It
is said that sixty-five percent or more
of our communications are non ver-
bal. If this is so, who we are and
what we are is most important. A
living prophet has declared: "No
greater service can be given to the
missionary calling of the Church than
to exemplify positive Christian vir-
tues in our lives" (Spencer W. Kim-
ball, Ensign, Nov. 1978, p. 6).

We must fight daily to retain
our savor, our purity. We must press
forward, clinging to our standards of
holiness, remembering all the while
that we are called to be the savor of
men.

Saviors of men

The Prophet Joseph Smith re-
ceived these instructions from the
Lord:

"For they were set to be a light
unto the world, and to be the saviors
of men;

"And inasmuch as they are not
the saviors of men, they are as salt
that has lost its savor" (D&C 103:9-
10; italics added).

One is impressed with the depth
of meaning associated with the words
"saviors of men," when they are
studied in companionship with a
complete definition of the priesthood:
"The priesthood is the power and
authority of God delegated to man on
earth to act in all things pertaining to
the salvation of men. It is the means
whereby the Lord acts through men
to save souls" (Spencer W. Kimball,
Ensign, June 1975, p. 3).

Priesthood is God's power. It is
to be used in saving souls. It is not
shared with young men or older men
simply to sit on or to hold in name

only. It is shared with the expecta-
tion that the receiver will exercise it
in behalf of himself and others. The
priesthood is to be honored, and call-
ings within the priesthood are to be
magnified.

One of the grandest concepts in
the gospel of Jesus Christ is the con-
cept that men can and should be
more than passive observers in the
cause of saving souls. One Church
leader taught: "In our preexistent
state ... we made a certain agree-
ment with the Almighty. . . . We
agreed ... to be not only saviors for
ourselves but measurably, saviors for
the whole human family. We went
into a partnership with the Lord. The
working out of the plan became then
not merely the Father's work, and
the Savior's work, but also our
work" (John A. Widtsoe, Utah
Genealogical and Historical Maga-
zine, Oct. 1934, p. 189).

I know of a young priest who
was asked by his bishop to fellow-
ship an inactive quorum member.
The bishop indicated that others had
failed in their attempts to recover the
boy. The final words of the bishop's
commission were: "Please save
" After many tries and fail-
ures, the miracle was wrought— the
inactive returned to full activity in
the quorum. It was thrilling for me to
hear the hero in this experience bear
testimony of the joy which he re-
ceived as a result of his soul-saving
efforts.

Less than a month ago, two
missionaries visited a widowed lady
who had expressed interest in the
Church. She was ill and had been
advised by her physician that a kid-
ney was to be removed. The elders
comforted the woman, heeded the
whisperings of the Spirit, and pro-
nounced a blessing. Another miracle
happened. The operation was can-
celled, and the missionaries began
teaching their friend the gospel. A
baptismal date has already been set.

62

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Firsl Day

This particular woman will never for-
get the blessing and teachings of the
elders. They will be held in che-
rished memory and regarded as "sav-
iors of men."

One of our priesthood brothers
tells of how he was guided by the
Spirit in locating thousands of names
on one of his father's ancestral lines.
When the necessary research was
completed, he and his wife and oth-
ers completed the appropriate temple
ordinances. In summarizing his expe-
rience, he said:

"It taught me that if a person
will put forth the effort to search, the
way will be opened up and he will
obtain the spirit of Elijah. . . .

"I firmly believe that in the pre-
existence we made a com-
mitment ... to be a savior to these
people, doing all the necessary re-
search and having the temple work
done for them" (Jacob Suess,
"Twice Rescued," in Links of For-
ever, comp. by Connie Rector and
Diane Deputy, Salt Lake City: Book-
craft, 1977, p. 120).

There should be salt between us
and all men. We should extend hon-
or, friendship, and hospitality to all
of our brothers and sisters. To the
inactives we extend the hand of fel-
lowship; to the nonmembers we ex-
tend the divine invitation "come and
see"; with the fathers of yesteryear
we establish links which weld fathers
to children and children to fathers. In
all of this, we advance the purposes
of the Master and assist in the recon-
ciliation of men to the God who gave
them life. And, in the process, we
not only preserve our savor but we
save ourselves.

I count it significant that the
headquarters of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints is located

in Salt Lake City. From this center
of the Church flows the message of
salvation to all the world. To this
city of salt, men and women gather
from all corners of the earth to re-
ceive instruction and edification.
Such instruction, if accepted and
practiced, will enable men to retain
their savor and assist them in becom-
ing saviors of men.

I pray that all of us will appre-
ciate more perfectly the words of the
Savior: "Ye are the salt of the
earth." I pray that we will carry this
designation faithfully and honorably.

Please remember that men — like
salt — lose their savor through con-
tamination; remember also that men
who fail to use their priesthood pow-
er in behalf of others are like salt
without savor.

I testify that an abiding and
exalting relationship with the Master
is established as we live to be men
with savor and saviors of men. This I
declare, adding my witness that He
lives and directs his church today, in
the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder Carlos E. Asay, a member
of the Presidency of the First Quorum
of the Seventy, has just spoken to us.

The choir and congregation will
now join in singing "Do What Is
Right. " After the singing, we shall be
pleased to hear from Elder M. Russell
Ballard, a member of the Presidency
of the First Quorum of the Seventy.

The hymn "Do What Is Right"
was sung by the choir and congrega-
tion.

ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD

63

Elder M. Russell Ballard

This is a great honor for me to
address you, my brethren, and I seek
the Spirit of the Lord that what I say
might help each of us want to become
better members of the Church and
serve more diligently in the
priesthood.

Personal experience

I had an extremely frightening
experience several years ago while
flying from Reno, Nevada, to San
Rafael, California, with a friend in
his twin-engine Aztec airplane.

When we left Reno, the weather
was a little cloudy, and my friend
was somewhat worried about it. Be-
cause of his concern, we landed at
the Lake Tahoe airport to get a sec-
ond report on the weather. It did not
indicate that the weather was too
bad, so we continued our flight to
San Rafael.

Our destination was an airport in
the northern part of San Francisco
Bay. As we approached the Bay
area, the clouds became increasingly
low and dense. We tried to stay
under the clouds so we could see the
water and thus keep our bearings vis-
ually. But suddenly we flew into
very dense clouds and could see
nothing.

When you fly into such clouds,
you become totally disoriented. You
do not know whether you are flying
straight, sideways, or upside down.
You lose your sense of forward mo-
tion, and it takes a few minutes for
the pilot to orient himself from visual
flying to instrument flying. At 180
miles an hour, you move a long dis-
tance in that few minutes and can get
into serious trouble very quickly. Un-
fortunately, my friend had not flown
entirely on instruments for two years.

My friend struggled intensely
and was near the point of panic as he
tried to recall all that he had learned
about instrument flying. I knew very
little about instrument flying, so I

could not help him. All I could do
was put my hand on his shoulder and
tell him to take a deep breath and get
hold of himself. The only instrument
that I could read was the altimeter. I
said, "We are now at 500 feet.
Don't make any quick moves; just
think it out, and you can pull us
through. "

It seemed an eternity before he
finally made radio contact with Ham-
ilton Air Force Base. He said to
them, "I am in trouble; please help
me." The air traffic controllers had
us on their radar screen and immedi-
ately began to help my friend regain
control of the plane. They told us
where we were and started to give us
instructions to help guide us to
safety.

When my friend heard the voice
from Hamilton Tower, he regained a
sense of confidence that enabled him
to gain control. But he knew that the
plane was completely out of control
and that our chances of pulling out of
this danger were marginal. We could
easily go the wrong way. The foot-
hills, buildings, towers, and bridges
were not far away. At one time we
dropped to only 200 feet, and must
have been flying upside down at one
time because the maps and other
items in the visor above my head fell
into my lap.

At the peak of this crisis, an
instant replay of my entire life
flashed through my mind. I thought
of my wife, my seven children, my
parents, my business partners, the 37
priests whom I was the adviser to,
and many other things. I prayed fer-
vently all through this crisis and
made a commitment more deep and
more sincere than ever before in my
life. I began, "Heavenly Father,
guide us out of this thick, dense
cloud, and help my friend remember
all he knows about instrument fly-
ing." And then I said, "In the name
of Jesus Christ and by the power of

\

64 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 5

First Day

the holy priesthood, bless my friend
that he might regain control." My
prayer continued. I committed to
Heavenly Father that if he would
help us, I would place my life in his
hands. I promised him that I would
be what he wanted me to be.

Finally, we saw the lights on the
runway. The white line in the center
of the runway was a most welcome
sight.

Every priesthood bearer sitting
in this priesthood meeting tonight has
a great work to do. Each one of us
has the power to demonstrate to our
Heavenly Father that we really love
him and desire to serve him with all
of our hearts.

Making a meaningful commitment

Let me show how each of us
can make a sincere and meaningful
commitment to Heavenly Father right
now. Please find a small piece of
paper and a pencil. Borrow from
your neighbor if you need to. Now,
brethren, write on your piece of pa-
per the name of one inactive or non-
member man or boy who lives in
your ward. Will you make a com-
mitment tonight that you will do all
in your power, with the help of the
Lord, to lead that person out of dark-
ness into the full light of the gospel?
You can be to him as the voice from
Hamilton Tower was to my friend
and me, and you can guide him
safely into full fellowship in the
Church of Jesus Christ.

Just a few months after I made
my full commitment to the Lord that
I would give my life to his service if
he so desired, I was presiding over
the Canada Toronto Mission. During
that mission, President Kimball
called me to spend the rest of my life
in the service of the Lord as a mem-
ber of the First Quorum of the
Seventy.

Worth of souls is great

No work is more important than
helping bring the gospel into the

lives of our brothers and sisters. You
and I have no better way to demon-
strate our love for the Lord than to
personally lead someone into the
safety of full activity in the Church.

I want to help you keep the
commitment that you have just made,
brethren. I invite you to write to me
when you feel the time has come that
you need some additional help. Send
me the name and address of the man
or the boy whom you seek to rescue,
and I will write a letter of encour-
agement to him. I am sure that my
brethren of the General Authorities
will help me if I receive more letters
than I can answer, because they are
fully committed to helping you and
me meet our righteous commitments.

The Lord has said in the Doc-
trine and Covenants, "Remember the
worth of souls is great in the sight of
God;

"For, behold, the Lord your Re-
deemer suffered death in the flesh;
wherefore he suffered the pain of all
men, that all men might repent and
come unto him.

"And he hath risen again from
the dead, that he might bring all unto
him, on conditions of repentance.

"And how great is his joy in the
soul that repenteth!

"And if it so be that you should
labor all your days in crying repen-
tance unto this people, and bring,
save it be one soul unto me, how
great shall be your joy with him in
the kingdom of my Father!" (D&C
18:10-13, 15).

Keep commitments

The light of the Lord is real, my
brethren. He will lead every soul out
of the clouds of darkness and away
from the fog of doubt and uncertainty
with a perfect eternal signal that will
guarantee safety, peace, and con-
fidence. He said to all the world,
"Come, . . . follow me" (Mark
10:21), and "I am the light of the
world: he that followeth me shall not
walk in darkness, but shall have the
light of life" (John 8:12).

ELDER W. GRANT BANGERTER

65

Life's flight pattern can be
changed. The instruments we use in
saving souls are love and sharing our
testimonies of the divine mission of
our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus
Christ. Thousands of our lost breth-
ren, both men and boys, can be led
to a safe landing if we will keep the
commitments that we have made
tonight. The power of the priesthood
that is within each one of us is a
greater power than any radar, radio,
or any other communication system.
Nothing is more important to the
Lord than saving souls.

God bless us to keep this com-
mitment, my brethren, to bring into

full fellowship one precious son of
God, I pray, in the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

We have just heard from Elder
M. Russell Ballard, a member of the
Presidency of the First Quorum of the
Seventy.

Elder W. Grant Bangerter, a
member of the First Quorum of the
Seventy, will now speak to us. He
will be followed by Elder John H.
Groberg, a member of the First Quo-
rum of the Seventy.

Elder W. Gr

Central to the calling to adminis-
ter the gospel to all people, living and
dead, is the power of the Holy Ghost.
My experience tells me that many
who labor in the callings of the priest-
hood lack insight into this great
agency and are unable to be as effec-
tive as they ought to be.

I pray that I may be blessed to
give some helpful instructions about
this most potent and sacred
influence.

Obviously, if I do not have the
Holy Spirit, I may as well not speak
tonight.

Teaching by the Spirit

Most of our work is done in the
form of teaching. This takes place in
classes such as priesthood quorums,
Sunday School, and seminary; many
times in interviews; by missionaries
as they present the gospel in their
discussions; by home teachers to the
families of the Church; and, of
course, in sermons such as this one.

So I'm speaking to stake presi-
dents, bishops, and quorum leaders,
to missionaries, auxiliary leaders,
home teachers, and class instructors.

nt Bangerter

How can we teach by the Spirit?
Brethren, try to detect the influence
of the Holy Spirit in the following
experiences.

Calls to serve

While I was serving as stake
president, my counselors and I in-
vited a certain brother for an inter-
view where we presented to him his
calling to be the president of the
stake Young Men organization. This
man had not been fully active. He
liked to spend his weekends, includ-
ing Sundays, camping and fishing,
and it was reported that he and his
wife did not always obey the Word
of Wisdom. There was some ques-
tion as to whether we should consid-
er him for such a position, but
because of the prayerful discussions
we had held in the presidency and
the high council we concluded that
he should be called. As we advised
this brother of his appointment, he
responded that he was not interested
and that he did not feel worthy or
qualified. We then told him how we
had come to choose him over all the

66

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

members of the stake. We explained
that we needed a strong and capable
leader of youth in our stake and that
both the presidency and the high
council had offered earnest prayers,
asking the Lord to indicate the per-
son who should fill the position. We
said: "The answer was clear. You
are the man the Lord has chosen. It
is for you to decide, of course, but
you do have an obligation to go
home and discuss the question with
your wife. The only request we make
of you is that thereafter you kneel
down with her and ask the Lord what
he wants you to do. "

Three days later I received an
unhappy telephone call from this
same man. He reluctantly informed
me that he would accept the position
with all its implications. He gave
powerful service in his calling, and
when that assignment was finished,
he became a member of the high
council, and he has been happy about
the gospel ever since.

We had a similar experience
when we called another man to be
the president of our stake mission.
Through some discouraging experi-
ences in Church service, he thought
himself halfway on the road to apos-
tasy and not at all sure of his testi-
mony. He resisted his appointment
vigorously, saying that it would de-
prive him of time to do some of the
most enjoyable things in life. We ex-
plained to him how once again we
had sought the direction from the
Lord about who should preside over
the mission. We told him that he was
not being forced to accept the call,
but that he should ask his Heavenly
Father whether or not it was right for
him to serve. The Lord gave him a
powerful assurance that he was called
to the work. The following year he,
with his missionaries, baptized nearly
ten percent of all the nonmembers in
our stake. Later on, he was called to
be a bishop.

Missionary obligation

On certain occasions I have ap-
proached young men of missionary
age and informed them that they
have been called to serve a mission.
Sometimes they explain that they
have no desire to go on a mission. I
then tell them that it is immaterial to
me whether they serve a mission or
not. Of course, it isn't all immaterial;
but I say I am only informing them
of the calling the Lord has already
given them. And I'll explain how I
know that. I was present the day
President Kimball made the an-
nouncement that all young men
should go on a mission. The Holy
Spirit told me that the principle was
true.

Later on, I was talking with a
humble, but inspired, patriarch who
is here tonight. He informed me that
he was not trained nor educated to
give patriarchal blessings and that he
could only say the things the Lord
told him to say. I thought that
sounded about right. He then added:
"You would be interested to know
how many young men who come for
their blessings are told that they will
go on missions." With that state-
ment, I again felt revelation and saw
light, and I knew that President Kim-
ball had not called them on a mis-
sion. He had merely made the
announcement. But the mission had
been ordained by the Lord himself,
and every young man who belongs to
the Church has an obligation to labor
to build up the kingdom.

There has been no difficulty,
therefore, for me in telling young
men that I know they have been
called on a mission. And when they
respond that they are not interested, I
merely say: "Don't tell me; tell the
Lord. You go and pray and ask him
what he wants you to do." Almost
always they return from that experi-
ence saying: "Well, I suppose I had

ELDER W. GRANT BANGERTER

67

better go on a mission." For some of
them it is then time to say: "Now we
both understand that you are not
quite prepared, so let us begin to
take the steps by which you will be
qualified to go. "

Ask the Lord

Here's another situation. I have
watched missionaries over many
years, as they teach the gospel, find
that some of their best investigators
tell them that they have decided not
to join the Church. Most missionaries
at this point are discouraged and dis-
appointed. The missionary who
understands the Holy Ghost, how-
ever, takes that moment as his great
opportunity.

He even welcomes it, because
he knows what to do. And he might
say: "Very well, if that is your wish.
However, please allow us a moment
just to tell you how much the gospel
means to us. Do you remember how
Joseph Smith knelt one evening in
his room and prayed to the Lord to
know of his standing before God? As
a result, an angel appeared and said:
'Joseph, I have come to you from the
presence of God to tell you that the
Lord has a work for you to do, by
which your name will be known for
good and evil among all men' [see
JS-H 1:33]. What did Joseph Smith
say? Did he say: 'Oh, no thanks, Mr.
Angel. I don't want to go on a mis-
sion. I only wished to know if the
Lord loves me!' Of course, he
couldn't have said that. We want to
tell you that we know this work is
true just as surely as if we had knelt
there by the side of Joseph Smith,
because God has revealed it to us.
He will reveal it to you, too. We
don't think you should decide not to
join his church until you have knelt
down and asked the Lord what he
wants you to do. "

And the investigators, as they
pray, respond saying: "Of course,
the Lord wants us to join the

Church." The next step, naturally, is
to prepare for their baptism.

Spiritual preparation necessary

What has taken place in all of
these situations? It is simply that the
Holy Ghost has come into the pres-
ence of those who are teaching and
those who are listening and has given
them a witness of the mind and will
of God. They have felt something
they never understood or knew be-
fore. Did you notice? You felt it,
too, as I told you these experiences,
and I felt it. This is explained in the
Doctrine and Covenants: "Where-
fore, he that preacheth and he that
receiveth, understand one another,
and both are edified and rejoice to-
gether" (D&C 50:22).

We are further told: "The Spirit
shall b,e given unto you by the prayer
of faith; and if ye receive not the
Spirit ye shall not teach" (D&C
42:14). Prayer is the principal means
by which this Spirit is obtained and
felt.

We must prepare ourselves to
work with the Spirit of the Lord.

Certain principles must accom-
pany our teaching through the in-
fluence of the Spirit: First, we are to
be holy men. This does not mean
like the Marlboro man or the macho
man— holy men. Then we need con-
fidence in the Holy Ghost; believe in
it and expect its presence to be with
us. And when it comes, we need to
recognize its presence and be able to
help others to feel the influence that
it brings.

One of our great missionaries
said: "I bear them my testimony.
Then I bear them their testimony.
And then I have them bear their testi-
mony back to me . "

That's the process. Alma did the
same thing when he had explained to
the people of the city of Gideon
about the coming of Christ and the
redemption that would be provided
for those who would accept Him and

68

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

be baptized, he said: "And now my
beloved brethren, do you believe
these things? Behold, I say unto you,
yea, I know that ye believe them;
and the way that I know ye believe
them is by the manifestation of the

Spirit which is in me" (Alma 7:17).
To this I bear testimony, after many
wonderful experiences of the in-
fluence of the Holy Ghost, in the
name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder John H. Groberg

My dear brethren, I ask that our
faith be united so the Lord's Spirit
may touch our hearts.

Personal and family histories

I would like to begin by asking
a question. (Don't raise your hand;
just think about it.) How many of
you, regardless of age, have your
personal and family histories up to
date?

As bearers of the priesthood, we
have an obligation to follow the
counsel of the prophet. President
Kimball has made it abundantly clear
that it is very important to write our
personal and family histories. It is so
important that this August the Church
is sponsoring, in Salt Lake City, a
great World Conference on Records
to help all of us, and the whole
world, better understand the vital im-
portance of these histories and to
learn much about how to write them.

Why is the writing of personal
and family histories so important?
There are many reasons. I will focus
on just a few.

By writing personal and family
histories and doing the research re-
quired thereby, we inevitably have
our hearts turned to our fathers as
well as to our children. The Lord
says this must happen, "lest I come
and smite the earth with a curse"
(Mai. 4:6). Let us not be part of a
curse.

Also, by writing personal and
family histories, we are helped im-

measurably in gaining a true, eternal
perspective of life. Writing our his-
tories with the proper blend of fact
and feeling (and so often, feelings in
spiritual things are the real facts)
gives us a deep spiritual insight into
the meaning and purpose of our
lives.

I wonder if, as in so many
things, we don't deny ourselves this
deeper spiritual insight by simply ne-
glecting to write our histories.

Becoming sensitive to spiritual
things

Some people say, "I don't have
anything to record. Nothing spiritual
happens to me." I say, "Start
recording, and spiritual things will
happen. They are there all the time,
but we become more sensitive to
them as we write."

Writing our histories will cer-
tainly help us keep our eyes on the
most important of all goals— even the
goal of eternal life.

As we contemplate what those
before us have gone through that we
might be here, as we sense their faith
and courage and feel their love for us
and our love for them, we realize
what is really important. We begin to
comprehend the eternity of the fam-
ily. We gain great insight into the
things of God, and we are not the
same. We talk and act differ-
ently—for we have a deepened
understanding of eternity. We realize
that so-called problems are only what

ELDER JOHN H. GROBERG

69

we see when we take our eye off our
eternal goal.

The priesthood we hold is the
power to bless others. The priesthood
is eternal; thus, the blessings of the
priesthood are eternal. Every use of
the priesthood has eternal signifi-
cance— including the writing of per-
sonal and family histories.

We have all been thrilled and
humbled by the announcement of the
new temples. I wonder how many
personal histories written in the last
few days have recorded great moving
expressions of gratitude to God for
earnestly prayed-for and sincerely
sacrificed-for temples? I wonder how
many personal histories will yet
record such great feelings of grati-
tude as the future unfolds?

Writing motivates righteousness

Writing histories should be a
great motivation to do what is right.
You young men, how many of your
histories record, "I will serve a mis-
sion; I will live worthy to go to the
temple; I know President Kimball is
a prophet; I will follow his
direction"?

I ask that every bearer of the
priesthood resolve to do what is nec-
essary to write in his personal
history.

"Today I went to the temple
and received my endowments"; or,
"Today I went to the temple, where
our family was sealed together"; or,
"Today I went to the temple and did
the work for my great grandfather (or
other ancestors)"; or, "Today I went
to the temple with my brother or
friend or neighbor and witnessed
their sealing."

If you resolve to do it, you will
do it. Do not let anything stand in
your way.

Example showing spiritual strength
for posterity

There is something eternal in the
very nature of writing, as is so

graphically illustrated by the scrip-
tures themselves. In a very real
sense, our properly written histories
are a very important part of our fam-
ily scripture and become a great
source of spiritual strength to us and
to our posterity.

For example, let me give you a
brief incident from a family history
in Hawaii. It involves sacrifice and
temple blessings and true eternal
perspective.

In the early 1900s, a young
father and his family joined the
Church in Hawaii. He was enthused
about his new-found religion, and
after two years of membership both
he and his eldest son held the priest-
hood. They prospered and enjoyed
the fellowship of the little branch.
They anxiously looked forward to
being sealed as a family for eternity
in the temple soon to be completed
in Laie.

Then, as so often happens, a
test crossed their path. One of their
daughters became ill with an un-
known disease and was taken away
to a strange hospital. People in
Hawaii were understandably wary of
unknown diseases, as such diseases
had wrought so much havoc there.

The concerned family went to
church the next Sunday, looking for-
ward to the strength and under-
standing they would receive from
their fellow members. It was a small
branch. This young father and his
son very often took the responsibility
for blessing and passing the sacra-
ment. This was one such Sunday.
They reverently broke the bread
while the congregation sang the
sacrament hymn. When the hymn
was finished, the young father began
to kneel to offer the sacrament pray-
er. Suddenly the branch president,
realizing who was at the sacred table,
sprang to his feet. He pointed his
finger and cried, "Stop. You can't
touch the sacrament. Your daughter
has an unknown disease. Leave im-
mediately while someone else fixes

70

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

new sacrament bread. We can't have
you here. Go."

How would you react? What
would you do?

The stunned father slowly stood
up. He searchingly looked at the
branch president, then at the congre-
gation. Then, sensing the depth of
anxiety and embarrassment from all,
he motioned to his family and they
quietly filed out of the chapel.

Not a word was said as, with
faces to the ground, they moved
along the dusty trail to their small
home. The young son noticed the
firmness in his father's clenched fists
and the tenseness of his set jaw.
When they entered their home they
all sat in a circle, and the father said,
"We will be silent until I am ready
to speak." All sorts of thoughts went
through the mind of this young boy.
He envisioned his father coming up
with many novel ways of getting re-
venge. Would they kill the branch
president's pigs, or burn his house,
or join another church? He could
hardly wait to see what would
happen.

Five minutes, ten minutes, fif-
teen minutes— not a sound. He
glanced at his father. His eyes were
closed, his mouth was set, his fingers
clenched, but no sound. Twenty min-
utes, twenty-five minutes — still noth-
ing. Then he noticed a slight relaxing
of his father's hands, a small tremor
on his father's lips, then a barely
perceptible sob. He looked at his
father — tears were trickling down his
cheeks from closed eyes. Soon he
noticed his mother was crying also,
then one child, then another, and
soon the whole family.

Finally, the father opened his
eyes, cleared his throat, and an-
nounced, "I am now ready to speak.
Listen carefully." He slowly turned
to his wife and said, meaningfully,
"I love you." Then turning to each
child, he told them individually, "I
love you. I love all of you and I

want us to be together, forever, as a
family. And the only way that can be
is for all of us to be good members
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat-
ter-day Saints and be sealed by his
holy priesthood in the temple. This is
not the branch president's church. It
is the Church of Jesus Christ. We
will not let any man or any amount
of hurt or embarrassment or pride
keep us from being together forever.
Next Sunday we will go back to
church. We will stay by ourselves
until our daughter's sickness is
known, but we will go back."

This great man had proper eter-
nal perspective.

The daughter's health problem
was resolved; the family did go to
the temple when it was completed.
The children did remain faithful and
were likewise sealed to their own
families in the temple as time went
on. Today over 100 souls in this
family are active members of the
Church and call their father, grand-
father, and great-grandfather blessed
because he kept his eyes on eternity,
because he used his priesthood to
bless his family, and because he
recorded his feelings. How the heart
of this father turned to his children,
and how his children's hearts turned
to him.

Influence of our histories

All of you have similar incidents
in your families. Search them out.
Record them. Live by them, and pass
them on to your posterity.

I have a strong feeling that
when this life is over, our personal
and family histories and the influence
they wield will be of much greater
importance than we now think.

Brethren, this is the work of the
Lord. I testify that he lives and that
he has great influence in our lives.
May we have this understanding of
eternity and see and feel and record

PRESIDENT MARION G. ROMNEY

71

his influence in our lives, I do hum-
bly pray, in the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder W. Grant Bangerter, a
member of the First Quorum of the

Seventy, has addressed us, followed
by Elder John H. Groberg, a member
of the First Quorum of the Seventy.

We shall now be pleased to listen
to President Marion G. Romney, Sec-
ond Counselor in the First Presidency.

President Marion G. Romney

My beloved brethren, I have en-
joyed this meeting very much. I have
two talks here, and I have been think-
ing about which one I had better give.
Both of them are too long, and we
have already been well fed in this
priesthood meeting.

Grateful for priesthood
responsibilities

It's a great thing to hold the
priesthood of God, to represent him
in the world. I am very grateful for
his mercies unto me — the great op-
portunities that he has given me in
my life to serve him. From the time I
was a child, I have had a priesthood
responsibility that I have tried to ful-
fill, and I want to express my appre-
ciation to the Lord in the hearing of
all of you brethren here tonight; I
want him to know that I am grateful
for the opportunities I have had in
my life, for my ancestors on both my
paternal and maternal side.

I have had association with the
General Authorities now for about
forty years, serving with them, and I
have enjoyed my labors very much. I
can bear witness to the righteousness
of the men with whom I have la-
bored. It's a great thing to labor with
men like President Kimball and
President Tanner. They are men
without guile. They are men who do
Herculean tasks, who labor far
beyond their normal strength and
who are held up and prospered by
the power of the Lord that rests upon

them. I am grateful for my opportu-
nity of laboring with them, and I am
grateful for the power that I have felt
here tonight in these talks that have
been given so well and with so much
spirit.

Pray for spirit of discernment

I want to leave you my testi-
mony and express my desire to re-
main faithful all the days of my life.
I pray to the Lord for discernment
that I xan enjoy the promptings of
the Spirit. There are many scriptures
that are very dear to me, but one that
has been perhaps as useful to me as
any other scripture I can remember is
the statement of the Lord that "the
Spirit giveth light to every man that
cometh into the world; and the Spirit
enlighteneth every man through the
world, that hearkeneth to the voice of
the Spirit.

"And every one that hearkeneth
to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto
God, even the Father.

"And the Father teacheth him of
the covenant [of the gospel]" (D&C
84:46-48).

Try. to live, brethren, so that
you can have the Spirit with you in
all your activities. Pray for the spirit
of discernment that you may hear the
promptings of the Spirit and under-
stand them and then pray for courage
to do them, to follow the guidance of
the Spirit. This is a great era of the
world's history in. which to live. We
are living in the dispensation of the
fulness of times.

72

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

Live lives that preach the gospel

We are moving into the time
spoken of by the Savior that will try
men's souls. We are God's anointed
priesthood. There is no doubt about
that, and he expects us to be true and
faithful and show the way to the
world to escape the destruction that
will certainly come upon the wicked.
And our responsibility is to live lives
that will preach the gospel, as well
as to quote the scriptures as we are
taught. We must live so that men
seeing us will know that we are liv-
ing by the principles of eternal life.

I love you and want to serve
you all I can as long as I live. I want
to be worthy to stand with my breth-
ren of the General Authorities and
my brethren, laymen in the Church. I
don't think all the good people in the
Church are General Authorities. I
think your struggles, your service,
and your daily lives are a witness
which the Lord will accept and bless
you for. I bear you this witness and
pray that the Lord will bless every
man and boy who holds the priest-
hood, that we will magnify our call-
ings and receive the rewards of
faithful servants. And I ask this
blessing upon all of you in the name
of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer,
amen.

President N. Eldon Tanner

President Marion G. Romney,
Second Counselor in the First Presi-
dency, has been our concluding
speaker.

Sessions of the conference
tomorrow will be broadcast to a large
audience in many parts of the United
States and Canada over the many tele-
vision and radio stations cooperating
to provide extensive coverage of this
conference. Many radio stations will
broadcast conference tomorrow morn-
ing (Sunday) in major cities of Mexi-
co and Central America, and by
satellite transmission in Australia,
Spain, and countries of South
America.

The nationwide CBS radio Tab-
ernacle Choir broadcast will be from
9:30 to 10:00 Sunday morning. Those
desiring to attend must be in their
seats before 9:15 A.M.

As you leave this priesthood
meeting tonight, we remind you to
obey traffic rules, to use caution, and
to be courteous in driving.

The beautiful music for this
priesthood session has been furnished
by the Aaronic Priesthood choir. We
are grateful to you young men for
your inspiring music and express
sincere thanks for the service you
have given here tonight.

The choir will close this meeting
with "Praise to the Man," following
which Elder Teddy E. Brewerton, a
member of the First Quorum of the
Seventy and Executive Administrator
of the Brazil Area, will offer the
benediction.

The choir sang "Praise to the
Man."

Elder Teddy E. Brewerton
offered the benediction.

73

SECOND DAY
MORNING MEETING

FOURTH SESSION

The fourth session of the general
conference commenced at 10:00 A.M.
on Sunday, April 6, 1980. President
N. Eldon Tanner conducted this
session.

Music for the session was pro-
vided by the Tabernacle Choir with
Jerold Ottley conducting and John
Longhurst at the organ, and the
Fayette New York Branch choir with
Robert B. Winebrenner conducting
and Alma Jean Porschet at the organ.

Prior to the beginning of the
session, the Tabernacle Choir sang
the hymn "High on the Mountain
Top" without announcement.

President Tanner then made the
following remarks:

President N. Eldon Tanner

President Spencer W. Kimball,
who is in Fayette, New York, has
asked me to conduct this session.

We extend a cordial welcome to
all present this morning in the Salt
Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square in
this, the fourth session, of the 150th
Annual Conference of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We
also welcome those who are seated in
the overflow congregation in the Salt
Palace and those tuned to the confer-
ence by radio and television. Elders
Bernard P. Brockbank and Robert L.
Backman preside in the Salt Palace.

We acknowledge the presence
this morning of government, educa-
tion, and civic leaders, and officers
and members of the Church from
many lands who have assembled to

worship and to counsel together in
this conference.

The Tabernacle Choir, under the
direction of Jerold Ottley with John
Longhurst at the organ, is providing
the music for this session. The Choir
opened these services by singing
"High on the Mountain Top" and
will now sing "Jesus, Savior," fol-
lowing which Elder Robert D. Hales,
a member of the First Quorum of the
Seventy and Executive Administrator
of the Europe West Area will offer
the invocation.

The Tabernacle Choir sang the
anthem "Jesus, Savior."

Elder Robert D. Hales offered
the invocation.

President Tanner

Today we celebrate the
Sesquicentennial of the Church. It
was organized 150 years ago today on
April 6, 1830 in a rustic farmhouse
owned by Peter Whitmer, Sr. and
located in Fayette, New York. Presi-
dent Spencer W. Kimball, President
of the Church, is in Fayette this morn-
ing with a party including Elder
Gordon B. Hinckley of the Quorum
of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Hugh
W. Pinnock of the First Quorum of
the Seventy, and Elder Eldred G.
Smith, Patriarch Emeritus.

Through the miracle of satellite
transmission, we will now join Presi-
dent Kimball at the Peter Whitmer
farm in Western New York, where he
will address us.

74

Sunday, April 6

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Second Day

President Spencer W. Kimball

My dear brothers and sisters, it is
a deeply moving and wonderful expe-
rience to stand here today where the
Prophet Joseph Smith stood 150 years
ago. We came here last night by jet
airplane from Salt Lake City. We
made the trip in a matter of a half-
dozen hours, flying eastward over the
broad expanse of this beautiful land
where long ago our forebears
painfully traveled westward in search
of a place where they could be free of
persecution and could worship God
according to the dictates of their own
conscience.

We are here, this lovely Easter
morning, in the reconstructed farm-
house of Peter Whitmer, Sr. It has
been faithfully restored for this occa-
sion to bring to us anew the recollec-
tion of the all-important and
significant event which occurred here
a century and a half ago. In the years
to come, it will be visited by good
people from over the earth who will
wish to stand where I stand today.

Organization of the Church

In this very location on April 6,
1830, there assembled a small group
to formally organize The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
They were believers in the testimony
of the Prophet Joseph Smith that in a
grove of trees not many miles from
here, on a spring day in the year
1820, he beheld in vision God the
Eternal Father and his Son, the resur-
rected Lord, Jesus Christ. There fol-
lowed in the intervening years
visitations of other resurrected heav-
enly beings. From the soil of Cumo-
rah's Hill, a few miles to the west of
here, Joseph obtained from the angel
Moroni the records of a people who
anciently inhabited this land; and,

through the gift and power of God,
he translated that record, now known
as the Book of Mormon. A sub-
stantial part of that work of transla-
tion was accomplished in this
Whitmer home.

On that historic Tuesday of
April 6, 1830, one and a half cen-
turies ago, six men from those as-
sembled in this house organized the
Church as a religious society. Three
of the descendants of those men are
here with us today— Sister Lorena
Horner Normandeau, a great-grand-
daughter of Joseph Smith; Eldred G.
Smith, a second great-grandson of
Hyrum Smith; and Melvin Thomas
Smith, a great-grandson of Samuel
Harrison Smith.

Sure and glorious future

Standing here today we review
in our minds the mighty faith and
works of those who, from this
humble beginning, gave so much to
help move the Church to its present
wondrous stature; and more impor-
tantly, we behold through the eye of
faith a vision of its sure and glorious
future.

Now, my brothers and sisters,
with the future before us, and sens-
ing deeply the responsibilities and
divine mission of the restored Church
on this sacred occasion, the First
Presidency and the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles declare to the world
a proclamation. We have felt it ap-
propriate to issue this statement from
here, where the Church began. Ac-
cordingly, I shall ask Elder Gordon
B. Hinckley of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles, to speak in my be-
half and in behalf of my brethren, to
read this proclamation to you and to
the world.

PROCLAMATION

75

From the First Presidency and the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, April 6, 1980

The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints was organized 150
years ago today. On this
sesquicentennial anniversary we issue
to the world a proclamation con-
cerning its progress, its doctrine, its
mission, and its message.

On April 6, 1830, a small group
assembled in the farmhouse of Peter
Whitmer in Fayette Township in the
state of New York. Six men partici-
pated in the formal organization pro-
cedures, with Joseph Smith as their
leader. From that modest beginning
in a rural area, this work has grown
consistently and broadly, as men and
women in many lands have embraced
the doctrine and entered the waters of
baptism. There are now almost four
and a half million living members,
and the Church is stronger and grow-
ing more rapidly than at any time in
its history. Congregations of Latter-
day Saints are found throughout
North, Central, and South America;
in the nations of Europe; in Asia; in
Africa; in Australia and the islands of
the South Pacific; and in other areas
of the world. The gospel restored
through the instrumentality of Joseph
Smith is presently taught in forty-six
languages and in eighty-one nations.
From that small meeting held in a
farmhouse a century and a half ago,
the Church has grown until today it
includes nearly twelve thousand orga-
nized congregations.

We testify that this restored gos-
pel was introduced into the world by
the marvelous appearance of God the
Eternal Father and his Son, the resur-
rected Lord Jesus Christ. That most
glorious manifestation marked the be-
ginning of the fulfillment of the
promise of Peter, who prophesied of
"the times of restitution of all things,

which God hath spoken by the mouth
of all his holy prophets since the
world began," this in preparation for
the coming of the Lord to reign per-
sonally upon the earth (Acts 3:21).

We solemnly affirm that The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints is in fact a restoration of the
Church established by the Son of
God, when in mortality he organized
his work upon the earth; that it car-
ries his sacred name, even the name
of Jesus Christ; that it is built upon a
foundation of Apostles and prophets,
he being the chief cornerstone; that
its priesthood, in both the Aaronic
and Melchizedek orders, was restored
under the hands of those who held it
anciently: John the Baptist, in the
case of the Aaronic; and Peter,
James, and John in the case of the
Melchizedek.

We declare that the Book of
Mormon was brought forth by the
gift and power of God and that it
stands beside the Bible as another
witness of Jesus the Christ, the Sav-
ior and Redeemer of mankind. To-
gether they testify of his divine
sonship.

We give our witness that the
doctrines and practices of the Church
encompass salvation and exaltation
not only for those who are living, but
also for the dead, and that in sacred
temples built for this purpose a great
vicarious work is going forward in
behalf of those who have died, so
that all men and women of all gen-
erations may become the benefi-
ciaries of the saving ordinances of
the gospel of the Master. This great,
selfless labor is one of the dis-
tinguishing features of this restored
Church of Jesus Christ.

We affirm the sanctity of the
family as a divine creation and de-
clare that God our Eternal Father will
hold parents accountable to rear their
children in light and truth, teaching

76

Sunday, April 6

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Second Day

them "to pray, and to walk uprightly
before the Lord" (D&C 68:28). We
teach that the most sacred of all rela-
tionships, those family associations
of husbands and wives and parents
and children, may be continued eter-
nally when marriage is solemnized
under the authority of the holy priest-
hood exercised in temples dedicated
for these divinely authorized
purposes.

We bear witness that all men
and women are sons and daughters of
God, each accountable to him; that
our lives here on earth are part of an
eternal plan; that death is not the
end, but rather a transition from this
to another sphere of purposeful activ-
ity made possible through the Atone-
ment of the Redeemer of the world;
and that we shall there have the op-
portunity of working and growing to-
ward perfection.

We testify that the spirit of
prophecy and revelation is among us.
"We believe all that God has re-
vealed, all that He does now reveal,
and we believe that He will yet re-
veal many great and important things
pertaining to the Kingdom of God"
(Articles of Faith 1:9). The heavens
are not sealed; God continues to
speak to his children through a
prophet empowered to declare his
word, now as he did anciently.

The mission of the Church
today, as it has been from the begin-
ning, is to teach the gospel of Christ
to all the world in obedience to the
commandment given by the Savior
prior to his ascension and repeated in
modern revelation: "Go ye into all
the world, preach the gospel to every
creature, acting in the authority
which I have given you, baptizing in
the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (D&C
68:8).

Through the Prophet Joseph
Smith the Lord revealed these words
of solemn warning: "Hearken ye
people from afar; and ye that are

upon the islands of the sea, listen
together.

"For verily the voice of the
Lord is unto all men, and there is
none to escape; and there is no eye
that shall not see, neither ear that
shall not hear, neither heart that shall
not be penetrated.

"And the rebellious shall be
pierced with much sorrow; for their
iniquities shall be spoken upon the
housetops, and their secret acts shall
be revealed.

"And the voice of warning shall
be unto all people, by the mouths of
my disciples, whom I have chosen in
these last days" (D&C 1:1-4).

It is our obligation, therefore, to
teach faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,
to plead with the people of the earth
for individual repentance, to adminis-
ter the sacred ordinances of baptism
by immersion for the remission of
sins and the laying on of hands for
the gift of the Holy Ghost -all of
this under the authority of the priest-
hood of God.

It is our responsibility to es-
pouse and follow an inspired pro-
gram of instruction and activity, and
to build and maintain appropriate fa-
cilities for the accomplishment of
this, that all who will hear and ac-
cept may grow in understanding of
doctrine and develop in principles of
Christian service to their fellowmen.

As we stand today on the sum-
mit of 150 years of progress, we
contemplate numbly and gratefully
the sacrifices of those who have gone
before us, many of whom gave their
lives in testimony of this truth. We
are thankful for their faith, for their
example, for their mighty labors and
willing consecrations for this cause
which they considered more precious
than life itself. They have passed to
us a remarkable heritage. We are re-
solved to build on that heritage for
the blessing and benefit of those who
follow, who will constitute ever en-
larging numbers of faithful men and

PRESIDENT SPENCER W. KIMBALL

11

women throughout the earth.

This is God's work. It is his
kingdom we are building. Anciently
the prophet Daniel spoke of it as a
stone cut out of the mountain without
hands, which was to roll forth to fill
the whole earth (see Dan. 2:31-45).
We invite the honest in heart every-
where to listen to the teachings of
our missionaries who are sent forth
as messengers of eternal truth, to
study and learn, and to ask God, our
Eternal Father, in the name of his
Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, if these
things are true.

"And if ye shall ask with a sin-
cere heart, with real intent, having
faith in Christ, he will manifest the
truth of it unto you, by the power of
the Holy Ghost.

"And by the power of the Holy
Ghost ye may know the truth of all
things" (Moro. 10:4-5).

We call upon all men and
women to forsake evil and turn to
God; to work together to build that
brotherhood which must be recog-
nized when we truly come to know
that God is our Father and we are his
children; and to worship him and his
Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Sav-
ior of mankind. In the authority of
the Holy Priesthood in us vested, we
bless the seekers of truth wherever
they may be and invoke the favor of
the Almighty upon all men and na-
tions whose God is the Lord, in the
name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Following Elder Hinckley's read-
ing of the proclamation, the Fayette
Branch choir sang the hymn "The
Morning Breaks; the Shadows Flee"
without announcement.

President Spencer W. Kimball

My beloved brothers and sisters,
I am grateful for this opportunity. It
was a thrilling experience to speak to
you a few minutes ago from the Peter
Whitmer farm home where the
Church was organized. It is now an
inspiring experience to be in this
lovely chapel in Fayette, Seneca
County, New York, because it repre-
sents something of the marvelous
progress made by the Church during
the 150 years of its history.

"He is risen"

My brothers and sisters, today
we not only celebrate the Sesquicen-
tennial of the organization of the
Church, but also the greatest event in
human history since the birth of
Christ on this day 1,980 years ago.
Today is Easter Sunday.

Immediately following the semi-
annual conference last October, Sis-
ter Kimball and I accompanied

President and Sister N. Eldon Tanner
and others to the Holy Land for the
dedication of the Orson Hyde Memo-
rial Gardens on the Mount of Olives
in Jerusalem. During the few days
we were there, we retraced the foot-
steps of Jesus.

We saw Bethlehem and Naza-
reth, the Sea of Galilee, and the Riv-
er Jordan. We visited the Mount of
Transfiguration and Jacob's Well, the
Garden of Gethsemane and Golgotha.
We sat and meditated in the empty
tomb. And then we walked out of the
tomb into the sunlit garden where
early in the morning the angels spoke
to the two Marys and said, "Why
seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen" (Luke
24:5-6).

That is my witness to all within
the sound of my voice. He is risen!
He lived. He died. He was resur-
rected—the Son of God, who opened
the door of immortality to all men

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and the blessings of eternal life to
those who live his commandments.
Of his reality and divinity, I add my
solemn testimony this beautiful Eas-
ter Sabbath

Progress of the Church

In the proclamation just read by
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, we have
reviewed briefly the events of the
coming forth of the Church as a res-
toration of the original church estab-
lished by the Savior himself when he
was upon the earth. We have borne
witness to the world of the miracu-
lous and wonderful events which pre-
ceded that restoration, and also we
have spoken of the remarkable prog-
ress of" the work in the years that
have followed. For 85 of those 150
years, I have been a living witness of
this progress.

Solemn testimony

Knowing full well that before
long, in the natural course of events,
I must stand before the Lord and
give an accounting of my words, I
now add my personal and solemn
testimony that God, the Eternal
Father, and the risen Lord, Jesus
Christ, appeared to the boy Joseph
Smith. I testify that the Book of
Mormon is a translation of an ancient
record of nations who once lived in
this western hemisphere, where they
prospered and became mighty when
they kept the commandments of God,
but who were largely destroyed
through terrible civil wars when they
forgot God. This book bears testi-
mony of the living reality of the Lord
Jesus Christ as the Savior and Re-
deemer of mankind.

I testify that the holy priesthood,
both Aaronic and Melchizedek, with
authority to act in the name of God,
was restored to the earth by John the
Baptist, and Peter, James, and John;

that other keys and authority were
subsequently restored; and that the
power and authority of those various
divine bestowals are among us today.
Of these things I bear solemn witness
to all within the sound of my voice. I
promise in the name of the Lord that
all who give heed to our message,
and accept and live the gospel, will
grow in faith and understanding.
They will have an added measure of
peace in their lives and in their
homes and by the power of the Holy
Ghost will speak similar words of
testimony and truth. I do this and
leave my blessing upon you in the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I now invite you to join me in a
prayer of dedication:

Dedicatory Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name. On this anni-
versary day, we are met where The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints was organized under revelation
from thee 150 years ago. Our hearts
are filled with gratitude for thy mar-
velous blessings, so generously be-
stowed. As we review the past, we
are subdued in contemplating the
works of those who have gone before
us, and particularly the Prophet Jo-
seph Smith and his brother Hyrum
who, with their life's blood, sealed
their testimonies of the sacred things
which occurred in this area.

We are grateful for all who have
labored with faith in the nations of
the earth to bring the Church to its
present stature. Standing today at this
milestone of history, we look with
assurance to the future. We know
that with thy direction thy work will
roll on for the blessing of thy chil-
dren of all generations and through-
out the earth; and that where there
are now hundreds there will be thou-
sands; and that, whereas thy work is
established today in many nations, it
must and will roll forth over the

ELDER GORDON B. HINCKLEY

79

whole earth until men everywhere
shall bow the knee and give homage
to thee and thy Son.

We plead with thee, our Father,
that thou wilt touch the hearts of the
rulers of nations that they will open
their doors to thy servants until truth
shall cover the earth as the waters
cover the mighty deep.

Today, dear Father, in the au-
thority of the holy priesthood, which
thou hast given us, we dedicate these
structures which stand on the farm of
Peter Whitmer, Sr.: the restored log
farmhouse, with its furnishings, as a
reminder of the humble beginnings
from which thy mighty work has
grown; the later Whitmer home, as a
place of residence for thy servants
who will labor here as missionaries
among the many strangers who will
be attracted to this place of history;
and this beautiful chapel and visitors'
center, in which we meet today, that
it may be a place of sacred worship,
a place of instruction, a sanctuary
from the world, and a place of hospi-
tality to the scores of thousands who
will come here as visitors. May thy
Holy Spirit abide here. May thy pro-
tecting power be made manifest in
the preservation of these important
scenes of history. May knowledge of
thee increase and testimony of thy
divine Son strengthen in the hearts of
the many who will come with inter-

est and depart with added faith and
knowledge.

Father in Heaven, on this day of
dedication we pray for thy servants
and thy people everywhere through-
out the earth. Bless those who walk
in righteousness, and let thy Holy
Spirit be with them. Strengthen with-
in the heart of each a renewed sense
of dedication to thee and thy ever-
lasting truth.

We love thee, our Father. We
love thy holy Son. We give our wit-
ness to the world concerning him and
thee, and ask that thou wilt accept of
our thanks, our labors, and our love,
in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Following President Kimball's
talk and dedicatory prayer, the
Fayette Branch choir sang "We
Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet"
without announcement.

Elder Hugh W. Pinnock

President Spencer W. Kimball
has just addressed us and offered the
dedicatory prayer. The Fayette
Branch choir has sung "We Thank
Thee, O God, for a Prophet." Our
next speaker will be Elder Gordon B.
Hinckley of the Quorum of the
Twelve.

Elder Gordon B . Hinckley

My beloved brethren and sisters,
my heart is filled with gratitude for
the opportunity to be here. This beau-
tiful new Fayette chapel was made
possible by the generosity of some of
those present today. We thank you for
your great kindness. I am particularly
honored to be here with President
Kimball on this historic occasion.

Joseph Smith testified of Christ

It is a pleasing coincidence that
the birthday of the Church falls on
Easter Sunday. Today the entire
Christian world pauses to remember
the most remarkable and significant
event in history, the resurrection
from the dead of the Son of God, the

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Savior of mankind.

To a world plagued with doubt
over the actuality of that resurrection,
Joseph Smith testified unequivocally
of the risen, living Christ. That testi-
mony was spoken in many ways and
under many circumstances.

First, he spoke out of the expe-
rience of his incomparable vision of
the Father and the Son, whom he
both saw and heard. They were indi-
vidual personages of form and sub-
stance, of body and voice. They
spoke with him as one man speaketh
with another (see Ex. 33:11).

Secondly, as the instrumentality
through which came the Book of
Mormon, Joseph Smith has borne
witness of the Savior to all who have
read and will read that volume. Its
constantly recurring message is a tes-
timony of the promised Messiah who
came to the earth and gave his life
for the sins of all mankind, and who
rose triumphant from the grave as
"the first fruits of them that slept"
(1 Cor. 15:20).

Thirdly, Joseph Smith bore wit-
ness of the living Lord through the
Church organized here on these
grounds. This church carries the
name of Jesus Christ, and its mem-
bers are expected by precept and ex-
ample to bear witness of him in
whose name they meet and serve.

Fourthly, Joseph Smith testified
of the risen Lord, when by the power
of his prophetic office he spoke these
remarkable words:

"And now, after the many testi-
monies which have been given of
him, this is the testimony, last of all,
which we give of him: That he lives!

"For we saw him, even on the
right hand of God; and we heard the
voice bearing record that he is the
Only Begotten of the Father —

"That by him, and through him,
and of him, the worlds are and were
created, and the inhabitants thereof
are begotten sons and daughters unto
God" (D&C 76:22-24).

Finally, he sealed that testimony
with his life's blood, dying a martyr
to the truths of which he had spoken
concerning the Redeemer of the
world, in whose name he had carried
on his ministry.

And so, brothers and sisters, on
this day of Easter, when we remem-
ber Him who overcame death, we
speak with gratitude of the Prophet
who was a preeminent witness of the
living Christ.

Rise of the Church

As we are assembled at the
place of the organization of the
Church of Jesus Christ, I picture in
imagination that April 6 of 1830.
The few who believed in Joseph's
mission gathered on that day, which
was designated by divine revelation
as "being one thousand eight hun-
dred and thirty years since the com-
ing of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ in the flesh" (D&C 20:1).

One wonders whether any of
that group, other than Joseph Smith
who saw with prophetic vision, had
any idea of the greatness of the thing
they were beginning. From this rural
area, from the simple log farmhouse
on these grounds, there was to grow
by constant accretion an organization
worldwide in its scope and number-
ing millions in its membership.

Those of us who are here today,
reliving the events of history, are
filled with emotion as our words and
faces are caught by the wondrous
technique of television, flung to a
satellite high in the heavens, then fed
back to an earth station and placed
on a screen before those in the great
Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt
Lake City, all of this with only the
lapse in time between you and us of
less than three-quarters of a second.
As we think of this miracle, our
minds are drawn by contrast to chap-
ters in that epic and painful move-
ment of the Church from these

ELDER GORDON B. HINCKLEY

81

farmlands of rural New York to the
valley of the Great Salt Lake, and
thence to the nations of the earth.

Following the organization of
the Church, persecution soon raised
its ugly head. A decision was made
to move to Kirtland, Ohio.

Here they built their beautiful
temple, and in its prayer of dedica-
tion the young prophet invoked the
powers of heaven that the Church
"may come forth out of the wilder-
ness of darkness, and shine forth fair
as the moon, clear as the sun, and
terrible as an army with banners"
(D&C 109:73).

But the fulfillment of that prayer
would not come quickly. The peace
of Kirtland was shattered by insults,
financial distress, the tarring and
feathering of their leader.

In Missouri they built another
center. This was to have been Zion.
That dream was blasted with rifle
fire, the burning of homes, the wolf
cries of the night-riding mobs, the
illegal expulsion order, followed by
the painful march across the bot-
tomlands of the Mississippi and the
crossing of the river to a temporary
asylum in Illinois.

Their prophet did not make that
journey with the fleeing exiles. Dur-
ing the bitter winter of 1838-39 he
was imprisoned in the cold, miser-
able basement cell of a Missouri jail,
the victim of a false arrest.

Bereft, destitute, lonely, he
cried out in those circumstances: "O
God, where art thou?" (D&C 121:1).

Prophecy fulfilled

In the revealed response to that
prayer came these remarkable words
of prophecy:

"The ends of the earth shall in-
quire after thy name, and fools shall
have thee in derision, and hell shall
rage against thee;

"While the pure in heart, and
the wise, and the noble, and the vir-

tuous, shall seek counsel, and author-
ity, and blessings constantly from
under thy hand" (D&C 122:1-2).

My brethren and sisters, we who
are here today and you who are as-
sembled in the Tabernacle on Temple
Square in Salt Lake City — all of us
who are a part of this great kingdom
established among the nations of the
earth are the fulfillment of that
prophecy, as is the institution of the
Church of which we are members.

Joseph Smith never saw the day
of which we are a part, except
through the vision of a seer. He died
that sultry June 27, 1844, at Car-
thage, Illinois.

John Taylor, who was then with
him, summed up his work in these
words: "Joseph Smith, the Prophet
and Seer of the Lord, has done more,
save Jesus only, for the salvation of
men in this world, than any other
man that ever lived in it. . . . He
lived great, and he died great in the
eyes of God and his people" (D&C
135:3).

Standing at the crest of a cen-
tury and a half since the organization
of the Church, we are inclined to
exclaim, "What hath God wrought
through the instrumentality of his ser-
vant Joseph! "

Testimony

I give you my testimony of him.
He was the ordained servant of God,
this Joseph raised up to become the
mighty prophet of this dis-
pensation—"a seer, a translator, a
prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ"
(D&C 21:1). To that witness I add
another word of testimony, that
President Spencer W. Kimball, with
us today, is Joseph Smith's rightful
successor, the prophet of our time,
the President of the church which
was organized here 150 years ago
today. Its history has been heroic. It
stands today a tower of strength, an
anchor of certainty in an unsettled

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world. Its future is secure as the
church and kingdom of God, of
which I bear solemn witness in the
sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Following Elder Hinckley's re-
marks, the Tabernacle Choir sang the
hymn "Praise to the Man" without
announcement.

President N. Eldon Tanner

Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, a
member of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, has just

addressed us from the new chapel in
Fayette, New York, near the site of a
replica of the log cabin where the
Church was organized 150 years ago
today.

Following Elder Hinckley, the
Tabernacle Choir sang "Praise to the
Man."

The Choir and congregation will
now render "Now Let Us Rejoice,"
following which we shall be pleased
to hear from Elder Boyd K. Packer, a
member of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles.

The choir and congregation sang
"Now Let Us Rejoice."

Elder Boyd K. Packer

Humble members

That day, 150 years ago, came
and went quietly.

Those who met in that humble
farmhouse to organize The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were
not — indeed they were not— the
prominent men of their day.

Only a few, and they of most
humble prospect, were party to it. It
was as Paul had told the Corinthians:

"Not many wise men after the
flesh, not many mighty, not many
noble, are called:

"But God hath chosen the fool-
ish things of the world to confound
the wise; and God hath chosen the
weak things of the world to confound
the things which are mighty" (1 Cor.
1:26-27).

This sacred event, witnessed by
those few, had been preceded by
marvelous spiritual manifestations.

In preparation for it the Father
and the Son had appeared to one of
them. He had been called as the
prophet.

Angelic messengers had instruct-
ed them.

The principle of revelation,
thought by most to have concluded in
centuries past, was demonstrated to
be ongoing.

The Book of Mormon had been
published, and its pages carried a tes-
timony of the prophet Moroni that
angels have not "ceased to appear
unto the children of men." Nor will
they, "so long as time shall last, or
the earth shall stand, or there shall be
one man upon the face thereof to be
saved" (Moro. 7:36).

These humble men from among
the common folks of that day were to
become Apostles of the Lord Jesus
Christ, as surely as Peter, the fish-
erman, and the other common men
had been made Apostles in ancient
times.

And so the angels came, a con-
tinuation of them, to teach these
men, to confer the priesthood upon
them, to deliver keys of authority to
them; for these were things that men
could not assume, nor take to
themselves.

ELDER BOYD K. PACKER

83

Above all, the Lord Himself ap-
peared and reappeared, "That the
fulness of my gospel might be pro-
claimed by the weak and the simple
unto the ends of the world" (D&C
1:23).

Days of beginning not far past

Those days of beginning were
not so far away as we sometimes
think. There sits behind me on the
stand Elder LeGrand Richards of the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

He remembers personally some
of those who helped to open this
work.

He attended the dedication of
the Salt Lake Temple and remembers
President Wilford Woodruff very
clearly. He heard him speak on sev-
eral occasions.

Yesterday Elder Faust men-
tioned the incident where Wilford
Woodruff, leading a group of immi-
grants, was inspired not to take an
ill-fated boat. Brother Richards heard
Brother Woodruff give that sermon,
name a number in the audience, and
say to them, "If I had not followed
that prompting, you would not be
here today. "

President Woodruff was only
two years younger than the Prophet
Joseph Smith, and he had been an
Apostle for five years when the
Prophet was martyred.

Hands we have touched have
touched the hands that shaped the be-
ginnings of this dispensation.

Rank and file carry gospel spirit

Some things have not changed
very much over the years. Some
things have not changed at all. This
work has been brought through 150
years by ordinary men and women
and children across the world.

The rank and file of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
present and past, who now number in

the millions, have each carried their
part.

Lives are shaped through the in-
fluence of obscure, faithful members
who carry the spirit of the gospel.

When once I tried to thank a
great teacher and patriarch, William
E. Berrett, he quickly passed the
credit back to one who had taught
him. An old convert from Norway
was called to teach a group of mis-
chievous Aaronic Priesthood boys.
They were greatly amused by his
broken English, but somehow the
Spirit polished his words and soon
the boys responded.

I have heard Brother Berrett tes-
tify on more than one occasion, "We
could warm our hands by the fire of
his faith."

Examples

President Heber J. Grant once
heard Bishop Millen Atwood preach
a sermon in the Thirteenth Ward, "I
was studying grammar at the time,"
he said, "and he made some
grammatical errors in his talk.

"I wrote down his first sen-
tence, smiled to myself, and said: 'I
am going to get . . . enough material
to last me for the entire winter in my
night school grammar class.' We had
to take . . . four sentences a week,
that were not grammatically correct,
together with our corrections.

"... But I did not write any-
thing more after that first sen-
tence—not a word; and when Millen
Atwood stopped preaching, tears
were rolling down my cheeks, tears
of gratitude and thanksgiving that
welled up into my eyes because of
the marvelous testimony which that
man bore of the divine mission of
Joseph Smith, the Prophet of
God. ...

He continued: "Although it is
now more than sixty-five years since
I listened to that sermon, it is just as
vivid today, and the sensations and

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feelings that I had are just as fixed
with me, as they were the day I
heard it. . . .

". . .the one thing above all
others that has impressed me has
been the spirit, the inspiration of the
living God that an individual had,
when proclaiming the Gospel, and
not the language. ... I have endeav-
ored, from that day to this ... to
judge men and women by the spirit
they have; for I have learned abso-
lutely, that it is the spirit that giveth
life and understanding, and not the
letter — the letter killeth" {Improve-
ment Era, Apr. 1939, p. 201).

Joseph Millett

Whenever we seek for true testi-
mony we come, finally, to ordinary
men and women and children.

Let me quote from the diary of
Joseph Millett, a little-known mis-
sionary of an earlier time. Called on
a mission to Canada, he went alone
and on foot. In Canada, during the
wintertime, he said:

"I felt my weakness. A poor,
ill-clothed, ignorant boy in my teens,
thousands of miles from home among
strangers.

"The promise in my blessing
and the encouraging words of Presi-
dent Young to me, with the faith I
had in the gospel, kept me up.

"Many times I would turn into
the woods ... in some desolate
place with a heart full, wet eyes, to
call on my master for strength or aid.

"I believed the Gospel of
Christ. I had never preached it. I
knew not where to find it in the
scriptures."

That didn't matter so much, for,
"I had to give my Bible to the boat-
man at Digby for passage across the
sound. "

Years later, Joseph Millett, with
his large family, was suffering
through very, very difficult times. He
wrote in his journal:

"One of my children came in
and said that Brother Newton Hall's
folks was out of bread, had none that
day.

"I divided our flour in a sack to
send up to Brother Hall. Just then
Brother Hall came.

"Says I, 'Brother Hall, are you
out of flour?'

" 'Brother Millett, we have
none. '

" 'Well, Brother Hall, there is
some in that sack. I have divided and
was going to send it to you. Your
children told mine that you was out. '

"Brother Hall began to cry. He
said he had tried others, but could
not get any. He went to the cedars
and prayed to the Lord, and the Lord
told him to go to Joseph Millett.

" 'Well Brother Hall, you
needn't bring this back. If the Lord
sent you for it you don't owe me for
it.' "

That night Joseph Millet record-
ed a remarkable sentence in his
journal:

"You can't tell me how good it
made me feel to know that the Lord
knew there was such a person as Jo-
seph Millett" (Diary of Joseph Mil-
lett, holograph, Archives of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, Salt Lake City).

The Lord knew Joseph Millett.
And He knows all those men and
women like him, and they are many.
Theirs are the lives that are most
worth recording.

This rank and file of the
Church— 150 years of them— have
brought the truth to this generation.
It is planted where it is most likely to
bear an abundant harvest — in the
hearts of the ordinary people.

Glimpse of heaven

When President Kimball first
came here as a member of the
Twelve, he was asked to sit for a
portrait. (Those of us who know him

ELDER BOYD K. PACKER

85

well know how those hours of sitting
still must have bothered him.) To
keep him from daydreaming, the
painter one day asked an abrupt
question:

"Brother Kimball, have you
ever been to heaven?"

His answer seemed to be a
shock, as he said without hesitation,
"Why, yes . . . certainly. I had a
glimpse of heaven just before coming
to your studio. "

He then told of an experience in
the temple where he had performed a
marriage:

"As the subdued congratulations
were extended, a happy father . . .
offered his hand and said, 'Brother
Kimball, my wife and I are common
people and have never been success-
ful, but we are immensely proud of
our family. . . . This is the last of
our eight children to come into this
holy house for temple marriage.
They, with their companions, are
here to participate in the marriage of
this, the youngest. ' . . .

"I looked at his calloused
hands, his rough exterior, and
thought to myself, 'Here is a real son
of God fulfilling his destiny' " (En-
sign, Dec. 1971, p. 36; also in Con-
ference Report, Oct. 1971, p. 152-
53).

Pioneers

President J. Reuben Clark told
of pioneer members of the Church in
these words:

"Day after day, they of the last
wagon pressed forward, worn and
tired, footsore, sometimes almost
disheartened, borne up by their faith
that God loved them, that the re-
stored gospel was true, and that the
Lord led and directed the Brethren
out in front.

He then told of the morning:

"... when from out that last
wagon floated the [cry] of the new-
born babe, and mother love made a

shrine, and Father bowed in rever-
ence before it. But the train must
move on. So out into the dust and
dirt the last wagon moved again. . . .

"Who will dare to say that an-
gels did not cluster round and guard
her and ease her rude bed, for she
had given another choice spirit its
mortal body" (Improvement Era,
Nov. 1947, p. 705).

Who would dare to say that an-
gels do not now attend the rank and
file of the Church who —

answer the calls to the mission
fields,

teach the classes,
pay their tithes and offerings,
seek for the records of their
forebears,

work in the temples,
raise their children in faith,
and have brought this work
through 150 years?

Day of miracles

There comes a witness, also,
from some who have stumbled and
fallen but have struggled back and
have found the sweet, forgiving,
cleansing influence of repentance.
They now stand approved of the
Lord, clean before Him; His Spirit
has returned to them and they are
guided by it. Without reviewing the
hard lessons of the past they guide
others to that Spirit.

Who would dare to say that the
day of miracles has ceased? Those
things have not changed in 150
years, not changed at all.

For the power and inspiration of
the Almighty rests upon this people
today as surely as it did in those days
of beginning:

"It is by faith that miracles are
wrought; and it is by faith that angels
appear and minister unto men;
wherefore, if these things have
ceased wo be unto the children of
men, for it is because of unbelief"
(Moro. 7:37).

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The prophet Moroni taught that
angelic messengers would accomplish
their work "by declaring the word of
Christ unto the chosen vessels of the
Lord, that they may bear testimony
of him.

"And by so doing, the Lord
God prepareth the way that the resi-
due of men may have faith in Christ,
that the Holy Ghost may have place
in their hearts" (Moro. 7:31-32).

There has come, these last sev-
eral years, a succession of announce-
ments that show our day to be a day
of intense revelation, equaled, per-
haps, only in those days of begin-
ning, 150 years ago.

Apostles of Jesus Christ

But then, as now, the world did
not believe. They say that ordinary
men are not inspired; that there are
no prophets, no apostles; that angels
do not minister unto men — not to or-
dinary men.

That doubt and disbelief have
not changed. But now, as then, their
disbelief cannot change the truth.

We lay no claim to being
Apostles of the world— but of the
Lord Jesus Christ. The test is not
whether men will believe, but wheth-
er the Lord has called us — and of
that there is no doubt!

We do not talk of those sacred
interviews that qualify the servants of
the Lord to bear a special witness of
Him, for we have been commanded
not to do so.

But we are free, indeed, we are
obliged, to bear that special witness.

But that witness, the testimony
of this work, is not reserved to those
few of us who lead the Church. In
proper order that witness comes to
men and women and children all
over the world.

Revelation

Across the world the ordinary
members, who might be described as

obscure, bear witness that they were
guided to this Church by revelation
and that they are guided in their ser-
vice in it.

Revelation that belongs to the
prophet and president of the Church,
to speak on matters for the entire
Church, rests as well upon all who
hold office, each within the limits of
his calling.

It rests upon parents who pre-
side over families, and if we will live
for it, it will rest upon each of us.

Like all of my Brethren, I too
come from among the ordinary
people of the Church. I am the sev-
enty-eighth man to be accepted by
ordination into the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles in this dispensation.

Compared to the others who
have been called, I am nowhere near
their equal, save it be, perhaps, in
the certainty of the witness we share.

I feel compelled, on this 150th
anniversary of the Church, to certify
to you that I know that the day of
miracles has not ceased.

I know that angels minister unto

men.

I am a witness to the truth that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
the Only Begotten of the Father; that
He has a body of flesh and bone; that
He knows those who are His servants
here and that He is known of them.

I know that He directs this
Church now, as He established it
then, through a prophet of God. In
the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

At the conclusion of Elder
Packer's address, the Tabernacle
Choir sang "And Then Shall Your
Light Break Forth" without an-
nouncement.

President N. Eldon Tanner

President Marion G. Romney,
Second Counselor in the First Presi-
dency, will be our concluding
speaker.

PRESIDENT MARION G. ROMNEY

87

President Marion G. Romney

My beloved brothers and sisters
and friends, today we celebrate the
150th anniversary of the organization
of the Church. The Church of which
we speak is not a man-made organiza-
tion; it is exactly what its name
implies.

"Thus [said the Lord himself]
shall my church be called in the last
days, even The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Verily I say unto you all [he
continued]: Arise and shine forth,
that thy light may be a standard for
the nations;

"And that the gathering together
upon the land of Zion, and upon her
stakes, may be for a defense, and for
a refuge from the storm, and from
wrath when it shall be poured out
without mixture upon the whole
earth" (D&C 115:4-6).

Genuineness of Book of Mormon

In the headnote to the twentieth
section of the Doctrine and Cov-
enants, the Prophet Joseph wrote:
"We obtained of him [Jesus Christ]
the following, by the spirit of proph-
ecy and revelation; which not only
gave us much information, but also
pointed out to us the precise day
upon which, according to his will
and commandment, we should pro-
ceed to organize his Church once
more here upon the earth"; and then
he added, "The Lord again attests
the genuineness of the Book of
Mormon. "

Since the Lord, as he specified
the date on which his Church was to
be organized, attested again to "the
genuineness of the Book of Mor-
mon" at the same time, in the same
revelation, I have concluded that as
we observe the sesquicentennial anni-
versary of the organization of his
Church, it will be proper for us to
review a few Book of Mormon

teachings. There are many reasons
why we should do so. To begin with,
the Lord has put us under obligation
to teach the Book of Mormon. He
said that he sent Moroni to reveal it
(see D&C 27:5), and that through his
mercy he had given the Prophet Jo-
seph "power ... to translate [it]"
(D&C 20:8; see also D&C 1:29), and
that it contains "the truth and the
word of God" (D&C 19:26) and
"the fulness of the gospel of Jesus
Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews
also" (D&C 20:9).

Most correct book

The Prophet Joseph Smith "told
the brethren that the Book of Mor-
mon was the most correct of any
book on earth, and the keystone of
our religion, and a man would get
nearer to God by abiding by its pre-
cepts, than by any other book" (His-
tory of the Church, 4:461; Teachings
of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Jo-
seph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 39).

Nephi tells us that its contents
"shall go from generation to genera-
tion as long as the earth shall
stand; . . . and the nations who shall
possess them [the teachings of the
Book of Mormon] shall be judged of
them according to the words which
are written" (2 Ne. 25:22).

For me there could be no more
impelling reason for reading the
Book of Mormon than this statement
that we who have the Book of Mor-
mon shall be judged by what is writ-
ten in it.

Moroni says that the very reason
the book has been given to us is that
we may know the "decrees of God"
(Eth. 2:11) set forth therein and by
obedience to them escape the cala-
mities which are to follow
disobedience.

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Remember Book of Mormon
teachings

To the early Saints the Lord
spoke rather sharply about remember-
ing the Book of Mormon's teachings.

"Your minds in times past," he
said to them, "have been darkened
because of unbelief, and because you
have treated lightly the things you
have received —

"Which vanity and unbelief
have brought the whole church under
condemnation.

"And this condemnation resteth
upon the children of Zion, even all.

"And they shall remain under
this condemnation until they repent
and remember the new covenant,
even the Book of Mormon" (D&C
84:54-57).

Prior to this he had told them
that "the Book of Mormon and the
holy scriptures are given of me for
your instruction" (D&C 33:16). On
another occasion he had said, "The
elders, priests and teachers of this
church shall teach the principles of
my gospel, which are in . . . the
Book of Mormon" (D&C 42:12).

It is, of course, obvious that un-
less we read, study, and learn the
principles which are in the Book of
Mormon, we cannot comply with this
direction to teach them.

Avoid evil

There is another reason why we
should read the Book of Mormon: By
doing so we will fill and refresh our
minds with a constant flow of that
"water" which Jesus said would be
in us "a well of water springing up
into everlasting life" (John 4:14).
We must obtain a continuing supply
of this water if we are to resist evil
and retain the blessings of being born
again.

The great overall struggle in the
world today is, as it has always
been, for the souls of men. Every

soul is personally engaged in the
struggle, and he makes his fight with
what is in his mind. In the final anal-
ysis the battleground is, for each in-
dividual, within himself. Inevitably
he gravitates toward the subjects of
his thoughts. Ages ago the wise man
thus succinctly stated this great truth:
"As he thinketh in his heart, so is
he" (Prov. 23:7).

If we would escape the lusts of
the flesh and build for ourselves and
our children great and noble charac-
ters, we must keep in our minds and
in their minds true and righteous
principles for our thoughts and their
thoughts to dwell upon.

We must not permit our minds
to become surfeited with the inter-
ests, things, and practices of the
world about us. To do so is tan-
tamount to adopting and going along
with them, for the experience of the
race sustains the conclusion of him
who said that —

Vice is a monster of so frightful
mien,

As to be hated needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her
face,

We first endure, then pity, and then
embrace.

(Pope, Essay on Man, epistle ii, lines
217, The Oxford Dictionary of
Quotations, London: Oxford
University Press, 1966, p. 383).

If we would avoid adopting the
evils of the world, we must pursue a
course which will daily feed our
minds with and call them back to the
things of the Spirit. I know of no
better way to do this than by daily
reading the Book of Mormon.

Keep truths in mind

In all dispensations, the Lord
has counseled his people to keep in
their minds and thoughts the truths
he has revealed to them. To the early

PRESIDENT MARION G. ROMNEY

89

Saints of this dispensation he said:
"Let the solemnities of eternity rest
upon your minds" (D&C 43:34).
This counsel followed his statement
to the elders:

"Ye are not sent forth to be
taught, but to teach the children of
men the things which I have put into
your hands by the power of my
Spirit;

"And ye are to be taught from
on high" (D&C 43:15-16).

Instructing ancient Israel not to
go after "the gods of the people
which [were] round about" them
(Deut. 6:14), he said:

"Hear, O Israel. . . .

". . . these words, which I
command thee this day, shall be in
thine heart:

"And thou shalt teach them dili-
gently unto thy chidren, and shalt
talk of them when thou sittest in
thine house, and when thou walkest
by the way, and when thou liest
down, and when thou risest up.

"And thou shalt bind them for a
sign upon thine hand, and they shall
be as frontlets between thine eyes.

"And thou shalt write them
upon the posts of thy house, and on
thy gates" (Deut. 6:4, 6-9).

"Search the scriptures" (John
5:39), said Jesus to his carping crit-
ics, who, being surfeited with the
things of this world, rejected him. In
the scriptures they could, if they
would, learn the truth about him and
the things of eternal life which he
taught them.

Meditate on word of God

The Psalmist thus recounts the
rewards which follow knowing and
meditating upon the word of God:

"O how love I thy law! it is my
meditation all the day.

"Thou through thy command-
ments hast made me wiser than mine
enemies. . . .

"I have more understanding

than all my teachers: for thy testi-
monies are my meditation.

"I understand more than the an-
cients, because I keep thy precepts.

"I have refrained my feet from
every evil way, that I might keep thy
word.

"I have not departed from thy
judgments: for thou hast taught me.

"How sweet are thy words unto
my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to
my mouth!

"Through thy precepts I get
understanding: therefore I hate every
[evil] way.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my
feet, and a light unto my path" (Ps.
119:97-105).

Teachings will assist youth

I am persuaded, my brothers
and sisters, that it is irrational to
hope to escape the lusts of the world
without substituting for them as the
subjects of our thoughts the things of
the Spirit, and I know that the things
of the Spirit are taught with mighty
power in the Book of Mormon. I
believe with all my heart, for ex-
ample, that if our young people
could come out of our homes thor-
oughly acquainted with the life of
Nephi, imbued with the spirit of his
courage and love of truth, they
would choose the right when the
choice is placed before them.

How marvelous it would be if,
when they must make a decision,
there would flash into their minds,
from long and intimate association
with them, the words of Nephi:

"I will go and do the things
which the Lord hath commanded, for
I know that the Lord giveth no com-
mandments unto the children of men,
save he shall prepare a way for them
that they may accomplish the thing
which he commandeth them" (1 Ne.
3:7).

And when the going gets rough
and temptation to abandon the course

90

Sunday, April 6

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Second Day

of righteousness presses upon them,
they might think of his plea to his
wayward brothers:

"Let us be faithful," he said,
"in keeping the commandments of
the Lord; for behold he is mightier
than all the earth, then why not
mightier than Laban and his fifty,
yea, or even than his tens of thou-
sands?" (1 Ne. 4:1; see also 3:15).

If our young folks become fa-
miliar with the teachings of the Book
of Mormon, they will not only be
inspired by the examples of Nephi,
the 2,000 sons of Helaman (see Al.
53), and other great Book of Mor-
mon characters to choose the right,
they will also be so schooled in the
principles of the gospel of Jesus
Christ that they will be able to know
and understand what is right.

From almost every page of the
book, there will come to them a
moving testimony that Jesus is in-
deed the Christ, the Son of the living
God, our Redeemer and Savior. This
witness alone will be a sustaining an-
chor in every storm. In the Book of
Mormon they will find the plainest
explanation of Christ's divine mis-
sion and his atonement to be found
anywhere in sacred scriptures.

They will be familiar with the
great, fundamental, basic virtues; the
Book of Mormon is full of instruc-
tions concerning them. They will
have learned that "to be carnally-
minded is death, and [that] to be
spiritually-minded is life eternal" (2
Ne. 9:39). They will know that the
Lord God delights in chastity and
virtue which are "most dear and pre-
cious above all things" (Moro. 9:9;
see also Jacob 2:28). They will know
that a violation of these sacred prin-
ciples is, in the sight of the Lord,
"an abomination . . . above all sins
save it be the shedding of innocent
blood or denying the Holy Ghost"
(Al. 39:5).

They will have learned the folly
of putting their trust in the learning

of men or in the riches of this world
(see 2 Ne. 9:28-30). As a matter of
fact, there is no fundamental virtue
about which they will not be taught,
for in the Book of Mormon, as has
already been said, is to be found
"the fulness of the gospel of Jesus
Christ" (D&C 20:9; see also D&C
19:26).

Practice of daHy reading to gain
Spirit

And so, I counsel you, my be-
loved brothers and sisters and friends
everywhere, to make reading the
Book of Mormon a few minutes each
day a lifelong practice. All of us
need the uninterrupted association
with the Spirit of the Lord. We need
to take the Holy Spirit for our con-
stant guide that we be not deceived. I
am persuaded by my own experience
and that of my loved ones, as well as
by the statements of the Prophet Jo-
seph Smith, that one can get and
keep closer to the Lord by reading
the Book of Mormon than by reading
any other book. Don't be content
with what someone else tells you
about what is in it. Drink deeply
from the divine fountain itself.

I feel certain that if, in our
homes, parents will read from the
Book of Mormon prayerfully and
regularly, both by themselves and
with their children, the spirit of that
great book will come to permeate our
homes and all who dwell therein.
The spirit of reverence will increase;
mutual respect and consideration for
each other will grow. The spirit of
contention will depart. Parents will
counsel their children in greater love
and wisdom. Children will be more
responsive and submissive to the
counsel of their parents. Righteous-
ness will increase. Faith, hope, and
charity — the pure love of
Christ — will abound in our homes
and lives, bringing in their wake
peace, joy, and happiness.

PRESIDENT MARION G. ROMNEY

91

That we will seek these bless-
ings through reading the Book of
Mormon, I humbly pray and leave
my blessings with you, in the name
of Jesus Christ, amen.

Following President Romney 's
remarks, the Tabernacle Choir sang
"Hosannah Anthem" without
announcement.

President N. Eldon Tanner

President Marion G. Romney,
Second Counselor in the First Presi-
dency, has just spoken to us, followed
by the Tabernacle Choir singing
"Hosannah Anthem. "

We appreciate the courtesies
shown by the owners and operators of
the many radio and television stations
who offered their facilities as a public
service to make the proceedings of
this conference available to a large
audience throughout many areas of
the world.

These services are being carried
over radio to seventy stations in coun-
tries of South America and sixty-one
stations in Australia. They are being
broadcast in the United States and

Canada over numerous commercial
television systems by RCA SATCOM
satellite.

Video tapes of sessions of this
conference will be sent to television
stations in Canada and to members
and friends assembled in chapels
throughout Great Britain, Germany,
France, Switzerland, Holland,
Belgium, and Austria.

For the first time, conference
will be broadcast over television in
the Philippines.

We shall conclude this fourth
session of the conference with the
Tabernacle Choir singing ' 'Hail to the
Brightness of Zion's Glad Morning,"
after which the benediction will be
pronounced by Elder Jack H.
Goaslind, a member of the First Quo-
rum of the Seventy.

This conference will then be
adjourned until two o'clock this
afternoon.

The Choir sang the hymn "Hail
to the Brightness of Zion's Glad
Morning. "

The benediction was given by
Elder Jack H. Goaslind.

92

Sunday, April 6

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Second Day

SECOND DAY
AFTERNOON MEETING

FIFTH SESSION

The fifth and concluding session
of the Sesquicentennial conference
commenced at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday,
April 6, 1980. President Marion G.
Romney, Second Counselor in the
First Presidency, conducted this
session.

Music for the session was
furnished by the Mormon Youth
Chorus directed by Robert C. Bowden
with Roy M. Darley at the organ and
the Fayette New York Branch choir
with Robert B. Winebrenner directing
and Alma Jean Porschet, organist.

President Romney opened the
meeting with the following
comments:

President Marion G. Romney

President Spencer W. Kimball,
who is at the Fayette New York cha-
pel, has asked me to conduct this
session.

We extend a sincere welcome to
all assembled this afternoon in the
Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt
Lake City, Utah in the fifth and con-
cluding session of the 150th Annual
Conference of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. We also
welcome those seated in the Salt Pal-
ace, where Elders J. Thomas Fyans
and Neal A. Maxwell preside, and in
the Fayette New York chapel.

Sessions of this conference are
being carried over hundreds of radio
and television stations to a large
audience in the United States and
many other parts of the world.

We send our greetings and
blessings to members of the Church
and many friends everywhere partici-
pating in these proceedings by radio
and television.

Conference is being broadcast by

seven radio stations in Spain and ten
radio stations in Taiwan and by video
cassettes to members assembled in
chapels in Great Britain, France,
Germany, Austria, Holland,
Switzerland, and Belgium.

The Mormon Youth Chorus with
Robert C. Bowden directing and Roy
Darley at the organ will begin this
service by singing "I Know That My
Redeemer Lives." The invocation
will be offered by Elder Robert L.
Simpson, a member of the First Quo-
rum of the Seventy and president of
the Los Angeles Temple.

The Mormon Youth Chorus sang
the hymn "I Know That My Redeem-
er Lives. "

The invocation was offered by
Elder Robert L. Simpson.

President Romney

The Mormon Youth Chorus will
now sing ' 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of
Grief." Following the singing, we
shall hear from Elder Mark E.
Petersen, a member of the Council of
the Twelve Apostles.

The hymn "A Poor Wayfaring
Man of Grief" was rendered by the
Mormon Youth Chorus.

President Romney

Elder Mark E. Petersen, a mem-
ber of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, will now address us.

He will be followed by Elder
Bruce R. McConkie, also a member
of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles.

ELDER MARK E. PETERSEN

93

Elder Mark E. Petersen

This anniversary of the Church is
of great importance to the Latter-day
Saints.

Measuring Church growth

One reason is that it allows us
to see ourselves in perspective. It
helps us to measure our growth. It
shows us the direction we have come
over the last 150 years and now
points like a compass to the future.

With the ancient scriptures in
our hands and the teachings of mod-
ern prophets constantly before us, we
chart the course which the Lord ex-
pects us to follow.

By restoration from heaven we
have received the everlasting gospel
brought back to earth by angelic min-
istration as foretold by the prophets
who saw our time. With it we were
given the Book of Mormon, which is
an amazing volume of ancient Amer-
ican prophetic writing. More than a
million copies are published each
year as we take it worldwide.

Our missionary system has in-
creased from about a dozen men in
1830 to an army of nearly thirty
thousand today. Our membership
doubles every fifteen years. Our four
million will soon be eight million.
Our stakes and missions now exceed
thirteen hundred in number in about
eighty different nations. We have
twelve thousand local congregations
in forty-six languages.

We operate hundreds of semi-
naries and institutes for the daily
study of the gospel. We also have
some elementary schools and col-
leges. Our great Brigham Young
University is recognized in many
lands for its superior accom-
plishments. Knowing that the glory
of both God and man is intelligence,
we advocate good education.

We have a welfare program
which is the envy of nations. We

make an earnest effort to care for our
own with no expense to taxpayers.
For this purpose we have hundreds of
projects which not only provide the
necessities of life for the needy
among us, but employment also, in-
cluding jobs for the handicapped.

Our temple work moves forward
magnificently. We are building addi-
tional temples in various parts of the
world as we take the ordinances of
salvation to more and more people.
The service rendered in those holy
structures exceeds anything ever
known in the past.

We take humble pride in the
rapid growth, the marvelous accom-
plishments, and the stability of our
people. "By their fruits ye shall
know them," the Savior taught
(Matt. 7:20). Our fruits bear testi-
mony of our devotion to Almighty
God, of our firm commitment to car-
ry on his modern ministry, and of the
validity of the message which we
bear.

Our message

And what is our message?

First and foremost, it is that
God does live, that he is our Eternal
Father and our Creator. All human
beings are his offspring. Knowing
this, we accept the commandment of
the Savior to perfect ourselves so that
we may be like him.

Next we affirm that Jesus of
Nazareth is indeed the Christ— he
who was born in Bethlehem on the
first Christmas; he who answered the
questions of the doctors in the temple
when but twelve years old; he who
was baptized of John; he who walked
the plains of Palestine preaching his
gospel, healing many who were sick,
and raising some of the dead; he who
was persecuted by the religious cults
of the day, was condemned to the
cross, but who conquered death and

94

Sunday, April 6

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Second Day

the grave in a glorious resurrection
on the third day afterward.

He is the Savior of mankind! He
is the Redeemer of all flesh! He did
arise from the grave. He is risen, as
the angel said, in physical, corporeal
reality. And he lives today! Our
modern prophets have seen him face
to face and have talked with him.
We know that he lives and by his
resurrection he will also give to each
of us a victory over death, for we too
shall be resurrected — physically and
literally. We too shall live again.
That is our testimony on this Easter
day.

We testify also that Christ has
spoken again in our day, that he has
raised up new prophets and through
them has reestablished his Church on
earth as it was originally when he
called Peter, James, and John,
Thomas, Judas, and others into the
ministry.

The divine gospel was lost over
the centuries, human philosophies
displaced revealed doctrine, and the
holy priesthood was taken away. But
now it is all restored! We testify that
it is restored! Revelation again comes
from heaven. Prophets once more
walk among us, and the truth is of-
fered freely to all who will listen.
God's modern dispensation now
shines as a brilliant ensign to the na-
tions, just as the prophets foretold.

War between good and evil

But as it shines, opposition
grows. As truth is spread abroad, de-
ceit and dishonesty arise to oppose it.
As virtue is taught by the servants of
God, unchastity increases among the
ungodly. Indeed, as the Prophet Lehi
said, "There is an opposition in all
things" (2 Ne. 2:11); and as truth
manifests itself, the adversary seeks
to strike it down.

In a very real sense it is a
war — a hot war — a war between right
and wrong, between the powers of
heaven and the forces of Lucifer.

The scriptures warn that the
devil will make war with the Saints
of God, but he never can and he
never will overcome them. He will
attack them with all the wicked de-
vices his pornographic mind can de-
vise, but he never will stop God's
work.

This is not a war for territory or
wealth; it is a contest for the eternal
souls of men and women, boys and
girls, the literal offspring of God, our
Heavenly Father.

Our forces are strong. We have
had many glorious victories and will
yet have more. Our task is to save all
who will listen.

God's work and glory are the
same: "To bring to pass the immor-
tality and eternal life of man"
(Moses 1:39). We work together in
partnership with him.

Recognize Satan's tactics

But how many of us realize how
serious this conflict is? Do we mea-
sure its effect upon our own family
circles? Do we understand what the
devil is trying to do to us? Do we
recognize his evil emissaries for what
they are when they openly assail us
or when they seek deceitfully to se-
duce us quietly?

Seduction is his greatest weap-
on. Do we realize that? I repeat: se-
duction is the greatest weapon of the
devil. It is alluring; it falsely appears
to be advantageous and desirable. He
would have us think that bitter is
sweet, that black is white, that sin is
acceptable, that virtue is obsolete,
arachaic, and prudish.

Because he revels in filth, he
would tell us that to be clean is some
naive concept of our grandmother's
age which does not apply in this en-
lightened day. He says that evil is
good and that standards have been
relaxed. "Go your way," he says;
"fear no consequences; do your own
thing; have fun; express your basest

ELDER MARK E. PETERSEN

95

desires if you wish, and let your-
selves go!" That is his philosophy.

Do we recognize it when it is
flung at us by our angry foes or
when it comes with a soft voice and
a disarming smile? Do we truly rec-
ognize evil when we see it? Do we
really know right from wrong? If we
do not, then let us hasten to learn
from our Church leaders. They will
tell us quickly and plainly.

If we do know what is right,
have we the courage to stand up for
it, to defend virtue, to declare the
validity of our faith, to oppose false
teachings, and to fight the unpopular
battle? Have we the moral stamina to
confront any and all opportunities
and thus preserve truth, uphold
cleanliness, and defend the cause of
God?

The time has come when we
must take a far more firm and posi-
tive stand than ever before. We must
identify illicit sex, pornography, fil-
thy speech, and the use of liquor,
tobacco, marijuana, and worse drugs
as enemies of God and enemies to
ourselves.

We must see in all of them the
fiery darts of the devil.

Who is on the Lord's side?

We must bolster our spiritual
fortifications, raise the shield which
God has given us, and wield the
sword of righteousness and faith as
all God's servants should.

We must ask ourselves anew the
potent question: Who's on the Lord's
side? Who?

And we must understand that:

Now is the time to show;

We ask it fearlessly;

Who's on the Lord's side? Who?

We wage no common war,

Cope with no common foe;

The enemy' s awake;

Who's on the Lord's side? Who? . . .

Our ensign to the world

Is floating proudly now;
No coward bears our flag;
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
{Hymns, no. 175).

Have you a precious child?
Would you save his soul? Would you
fight to protect him from immorality,
pornography, liquor, tobacco, and
drugs? Do you shield him from evil
companions?

How vigorously do you fight?
Do you go all out for your child, or
don't you love him that much?
Would you try as hard to save him
from sin as you would to save him
from drowning or from fire? If not,
why not?

Is not sin our worst enemy? It
can destroy both body and spirit. Are
we not fighting for eternal life as
well as for a peaceful mortal
existence?

Parental responsibilities

Some young people are in
trouble these days. Hundreds of thou-
sands are not, of course, and are
faithful and clean. But those who are
casualties need help, and their great-
est help should and must come from
their own home circles.

Then shall we not as families
bend every effort to save our young
ones? Shall we not fortify our homes
to defend them? Shall not every par-
ent rise to this emergency? Every
father must awaken to the responsi-
bility which is his. Every mother
must put her priorities where they
belong.

Is it too much to ask that par-
ents deliberately and objectively
teach their children the gospel truths
which alone can save them from the
carnage of Satan? Is it too much to
ask all parents to live those truths
themselves?

Is it too much to set a proper
example by our own righteous
living?

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Is it too much to teach our chil-
dren that it is better to die in defense
of virtue than to lose it?

Is it too much to live the Word
of Wisdom ourselves and teach it to
our little ones? Is it too much to
teach them that violation of the Word
of Wisdom can lead them into much
worse sin?

Is it too much to be honest our-
selves and to teach our children to be
honest?

Is it too much to have daily
family prayers?

Is it too much to go with our
children to our Church meetings and
observe a sacred Sabbath?

Is it too much to hold family
gatherings in our homes either before
or after our chapel services on Sun-
day and thus further insulate our little
ones against the sins of the day?

Is it too much to hold a home
evening each Monday and there teach
our family the value of a clean life,
doing so by recreation as well as by
precept?

Is it too much to believe suffi-
ciently in the Lord so that we will
accept his word and really obey him?

Is it too much to remember that
God has said that if we are not val-
iant in the testimony of Jesus we
shall lose the crown over the king-
dom (see D&C 76:78-79)?

Is it too much to keep in
mind — and may we never for-
get—that if we receive the command-
ments with a doubtful heart and keep
them with slothfulness, we shall be
condemned (see D&C 58:26-29)?

"Put on whole armour of God"

There is no reward for half-
hearted obedience. We must become
vigorous and enthusiastic about living

our religion, for God commands that
we serve him with all our heart, with
all our might, with all our strength,
and with the very best of our
intelligence.

With him there can be no half-
way measures. We must be fully for
him or we may be classed with those
who are against him.

Then what shall we do? Put on
the whole armour of God — that is
what we are to do:

"Put on the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.

"... Take unto you the whole
armour of God, that ye may be able
to withstand in the evil day. . . .

"Stand therefore, having your
loins girt about with truth, and hav-
ing on the breastplate of
righteousness;

"Above all, taking the shield of
faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked.

"And take the helmet of salva-
tion, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God" (Eph.
6:11, 13, 14, 16-17).

As Paul further said, let us not
be "men-pleasers," but be true ser-
vants of God, doing his will from the
heart (see Eph. 6:6).

For this I humbly pray in the
sacred name of the Lord, Jesus
Christ, amen.

President Marion G. Romney

Elder Mark E. Petersen, a mem-
ber of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, has just addressed us.

We shall now hear from Elder
Bruce R. McConkie, a member of the
Council of the Twelve Apostles.

ELDER BRUCE R. MCCONK1E

97

Elder Bruce R. McConkie

A glorious view

We stand today on a mountain
peak, on a majestic, glorious peak in
the midst of the mountains of Israel.
To gain this height, we have climbed
over peaks of peace and trudged
through the valleys of despair.

Below us lie the deserts of sin
and the forests of evil; below us
stretch the swamps of carnality and
the plains of passion; below us rage
the roaring rivers of war and hate
and crime, through all of which we
have struggled to reach this summit.

Above us, stretching crest on
crest, are yet greater and grander
peaks. Each one is rimmed with riv-
ers and forests and cliffs and crags.
There are deep canyons and steep
precipices.

Along the way we shall yet
climb, hidden in the underbrush, is
the lair of the lion and the hole of
the asp. Venomous serpents are
coiled on ledges beside the path and
jackals lurk in dark caves by the
wayside.

Our onward course will not be
easy. The way ahead will be blocked
by a landslide of lasciviousness; an
avalanche of evil will bury the trail.

As we trudge forward, sharp
rocks will cut our feet; rivers of lava
will melt the soles of our sandals;
and we shall be hungry and thirsty
and faint. The way ahead will be
hard and the path rugged.

But far in the distance — its
heights hidden in the clouds, the
divine Shechinah resting upon its
summit — far in the distance stands
Mount Zion, the grandest peak of all.

Through the morning mists we
see Mount Zion, whereon is built
"the city of the living God, the
heavenly Jerusalem," where there is
assembled "an innumerable company
of angels," on whose height is con-

gregated "the general assembly and
church of the firstborn" (Heb. 12:22-
23).

From where we stand, on the
peak of 150 years of progress, the
view is glorious indeed.

Past history

Looking back with pride, we see
the spring of 1820 when the Gods of
heaven, the supreme rulers of the
universe, rent the heavens, appeared
to Joseph Smith, and ushered in the
dispensation of the fulness of times
(see D&C 112:30).

We see Moroni flying through
the midst of heaven, sounding the
trump of God, and revealing the
book which whispers from the dust
with a familiar spirit (see Rev. 14:6).

We see other angelic ministrants
come, bringing keys and powers and
authorities until all of the keys of the
kingdom of God are committed unto
man on the earth.

We see the little stone cut from
the mountain without hands begin-
ning to roll forth toward that coming
day when it shall smite the Babylo-
nian image, break in pieces the king-
doms of men, and fill the whole
earth (see Dan. 2:34-35).

We see the elders of the king-
dom going forth to many nations,
crying repentance, gathering Israel,
and assembling the faithful in the
tops of the mountains where stands
the house of the Lord (see 2 Ne.
12:2).

We see converts and stakes and
temples. Gifts and signs and miracles
abound. The sick are healed and the
dead are raised by the power of God,
and the work of the Lord goes
forward.

But amid it all there is sorrow
and toil and testing. The Saints are
tried to the full to see if they will

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abide in the Lord's covenant even
unto death (see D&C 98:14).

Our gaze falls upon Carthage,
where murderous devils in human
guise shed the best blood of the nine-
teenth century.

We see Nauvoo in flames and
the holy temple of God desecrated by
depraved and cursing fiends.

We see snow and cold and death
and graves, as a weary people follow
a new leader to their promised land.

We see a people cursed and
smitten and driven as they lay their
all on the altar, and we hear them
sing with their might, "All is well,
all is well" (Hymns, no. 13).

We see prophet follow prophet
as the faithful seek to prepare a
people for the Second Coming of
him whose witnesses they are.

Joy in the present and the future

But our joy and rejoicing is not
in what lies below, not in our
past — great and glorious as that
is — but in our present and in our
future.

Nor are the days of our greatest
sorrows and our deepest sufferings
all behind us. They too lie ahead.
We shall yet face greater perils, we
shall yet be tested with more severe
trials, and we shall yet weep more
tears of sorrow than we have ever
known before.

We honor our forebears and rev-
erence our prophets. We rejoice in
the goodness of God to them and
thank him and them for the heritage
that is ours.

As we ponder these things and
count our blessings, we seem to hear
a voice acclaim, "Put off thy shoes
from off thy feet for the place where-
on thou standest is holy ground"
(Ex. 3:5).

But we know that our work is in
the living present and our glorious
destiny lies ahead.

Forward to Zion

From the top of the peak where
the soles of our feet now tread, we
can look forward, crest upon crest, to
the Zion of God which one day will
be ours if we walk in the course
charted by those who have gone be-
fore. We cannot see the whole
course; many things are hidden from
our view. Mountain trails wind
through valleys and over crests,
around ledges, and through forests.
We do not know the length of the
journey nor the perils that await us.

But what we can see causes us
to rejoice and to tremble. We tremble
because of the sorrows and wars and
plagues that shall cover the earth.
We weep for those in the true
Church who are weak and wayward
and worldly and who fall by the
wayside as the caravan of the king-
dom rolls forward.

We rejoice because of the glory
and honor that awaits those who
come forth out of all this tribulation
with clean hands and pure hearts (see
Ps. 24:4).

Looking ahead, we see the gos-
pel preached in all nations and to
every people with success attending.

We see the Lord break down the
barriers so that the world of Islam
and the world of Communism can
hear the message of the restoration;
and we glory in the fact that Ish-
mael — as well as Isaac — and
Esau — as well as Jacob— shall have
an inheritance in the eternal
kingdom.

We see congregations of the
covenant people worshipping the
Lord in Moscow and Peking and Sai-
gon. We see Saints of the Most High
raising their voices in Egypt and In-
dia and Africa.

We see stakes of Zion in all
parts of the earth; and Israel, the
chosen people, gathering into these
cities of holiness, as it were, to await
the coming of their King.

ELDER BRUCE R. MCCONKIE

99

We see temples in great num-
bers dotting the earth, so that those
of every nation and kindred and
tongue and people can receive the
fulness of the ordinances of the
house of the Lord and can qualify to
live and reign as kings and priests on
earth a thousand years.

We see the seed of Cain — long
denied that priestly power which
makes men rulers over many king-
doms—rise up and bless Abraham as
their father.

We see the Saints of God, who
are scattered upon all the face of the
earth, rise in power and glory and
stand as lights and guides to the
people of their own nations.

We see our children and our
children's children stand firm in de-
fense of truth and virtue, crowned
with the power of God, carrying off
the kingdom triumphantly.

We see the faithful Saints per-
fecting their lives and preparing for
the coming of him whose children
they are, preparing for the glorious
mansion he has promised them in the
kingdom of his Father.

Greater evil

But the vision of the future is
not all sweetness and light and
peace. All that is yet to be shall go
forward in the midst of greater evils
and perils and desolations than have
been known on earth at any time.

As the Saints prepare to meet
their God, so those who are carnal
and sensual and devilish prepare to
face their doom.

As the meek among men makt
their calling and election sure, sc
those who worship the God of this
world sink ever lower and lower into
the depths of depravity and despair.

Amid tears of sorrow — our
hearts heavy with forebodings — we
see evil and crime and carnality cov-
ering the earth. Liars and thieves and

adulterers and homosexuals and mur-
derers scarcely seek to hide their
abominations from our view. Iniquity
abounds. There is no peace on earth.

We see evil forces everywhere
uniting to destroy the family, to ridi-
cule morality and decency, to glorify
all that is lewd and base. We see
wars and plagues and pestilence. Na-
tions rise and fall. Blood and carnage
and death are everywhere. Gadianton
robbers fill the judgment seats in
many nations. An evil power seeks
to overthrow the freedom of all na-
tions and countries. Satan reigns in
the hearts of men; it is the great day
of his power.

Lord's work continues

But amid it all, the work of the
Lord rolls on. The gospel is preached
and the witness is born. The elect of
God forsake the traditions of their
fathers and the ways of the world.
The kingdom grows and prospers, for
the Lord is with his people.

Amid it all, there are revelations
and visions and prophecies. There
are gifts and signs and miracles.
There is a rich outpouring of the
Holy Spirit of God.

Amid it all believing souls are
born again, their souls are sanctified
by the power of the Spirit, and they
prepare themselves to dwell with
God and Christ and holy beings in
the eternal kingdom.

Is it any wonder that we both
rejoice and tremble at what lies
ahead?

Truly the world is and will be in
commotion, but the Zion of God will
be unmoved. The wicked and un-
godly shall be swept from the
Church, and the little stone will con-
tinue to grow until it fills the whole
earth.

The way ahead is dark and
dreary and dreadful. There will yet
be martyrs; the doors in Carthage

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shall again enclose the innocent. We
have not been promised that the trials
and evils of the world will entirely
pass us by.

Keep the commandments

If we, as a people, keep the
commandments of God; if we take
the side of the Church on all issues,
both religious and political; if we
take the Holy Spirit for our guide; if
we give heed to the words of the
apostles and prophets who minister
among us — then, from an eternal
standpoint, all things will work to-
gether for our good.

Our souls at rest

Our view of the future shall be
undimmed, and, whether in life or in
death, we shall see our blessed Lord
return to reign on earth. We shall see
the New Jerusalem coming down
from God in heaven to join with the
Holy City we have built. We shall
mingle with those of Enoch's city
while together we worship and serve
the Lord forever.

And so, as we view the endless
course ahead, the glory and wonder
on each succeeding peak seems to
swallow up the shadows and sorrows
in the valleys below.

With our souls attuned to the
infinite, we seem to hear a heavenly
choir whose celestial strains resound
through the mountains of Israel. The
music purifies our souls and the
words become , a psalm of worship —
the Psalm of the Restoration. From
peak to peak the echoing strains
acclaim:

Glory and honor unto the Lord
our God. Let heaven and earth ac-
claim his name, for he hath wrought
wondrous works in all the earth.

Sing unto him, for he sendeth
his holy angel and restoreth his pure
word. He calleth truth from the earth

and raineth righteousness from
heaven.

Blessed be his great and holy
name. He restoreth the kingdom to
Israel; he gathereth his elect out of
all nations; he inviteth the Gentiles
to join with his people.

All glory to the Lord our King,
for he cometh to reign gloriously
among his Saint$. He cometh with
fire, and the wicked are as stubble.
He cometh with loving kindness, and
his redeemed inherit the earth.
Glorx and honor unto the Lord our

God.

Sing unto him for his wondrous
works.

Blessed be his great and holy name.
All glory to the Lord our King.

And as these psalmic words
echo and reecho in our hearts, we
hear other things that it is not lawful
for us to utter; and there comes into
our hearts that sure witness that he
who called his ancient covenant
people, he who guides and preserves
us at this hour, even he will be with
us and ours everlastingly.

Our souls are at rest.

In the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ, amen.

President Marion G. Romney

Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a
member of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, has just addressed us.

The choir and congregation will
now join in singing "Come, Come,
Ye Saints." After the singing, Elder
L. Tom Perry, a member of the Coun-
cil of the Twelve Apostles, will speak
to us.

The congregation joined the
choir in singing the hymn "Come,
Come, Ye Saints. "

ELDER L. TOM PERRY

101

President Romney

We shall now be pleased to hear
from Elder L. Tom Perry, a member
of the Council of the Twelve

Apostles. He will be followed by
Elder Dean L. Larsen, a member of
the Presidency of the First Quorum of
the Seventy.

Elder L. Tom Perry

Early Saints leave Missouri

My attention has been directed
toward the great history of this
Church during this, its sesqui-
centennial year. There is a period of
Mormon history which has always
been a great source of inspiration to
me. Emerging out of what I would
believe the darkest period of trial and
hardship, there broke forth a light of
beauty and accomplishment seldom
witnessed in the events of mankind.

The efforts of the Church to
settle in Missouri were met with se-
vere opposition by the residents of
that state. Lands were purchased,
homes constructed, fields planted,
and personal property acquired, only
to have most of it stolen from them.
In the dead of winter they were
forced to leave the state under threat
of their lives. All of the members of
the First Presidency of the Church
were imprisoned at Liberty awaiting
trial. The only leadership they could
give the suffering Saints was some
encouragement through the mail,
when it was allowed to be sent.

The Prophet Joseph Smith was
forced to remain the long winter
months from November to April
awaiting trial at the Liberty Jail.
When evidence could not be found
against the prisoners, they were al-
lowed to escape. They made their
way to the Saints, who had been
treated kindly by the residents of
Quincy, Illinois. How the Prophet's
heart must have plunged to the bot-
tom of his soul as he came upon the
suffering Saints encamped on both
sides of the Mississippi River, some

living in tents or dugouts and some
shelterless under the open sky, with-
out homes, comforts, or sufficient
food. Disease had taken a heavy toll,
and sickness reached out into every
family.

Nauvoo

Even though the Prophet was
haggard, pale, and penniless after his
long confinement, it did not take him
long to make his leadership felt. He
found a swamp where the Mississippi
makes a horseshoe bend. It was prac-
tically deserted; there were only a
half-dozen houses. It was a place in
which nobody seemed to have a great
interest. The owners of this mos-
quito-infested swamp were happy to
sell the land to the penniless Saints
for promissory notes, payable over a
term of years.

"Characteristic of the Prophet,
he renamed the place to meet his
desires. Not what it was, but what,
with the faith and work of man, the
region might become — 'Nauvoo, the
City Beautiful' " (William E. Ber-
rett, The Restored Church, Salt Lake
City: Deseret Book Co., 1965, p.
149).

The faith of the Prophet rallied
the people, and a special zeal seldom
witnessed in all of man's history
swept over this people. "That deep
and abiding strength was to change a
swamp into a great city; miserable
shelters into splendid houses; penni-
less people to the most prosperous
citizens of Illinois. That missionary
zeal was to carry the gospel into

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many lands and double the member-
ship of the Church. And all of this in
the short time of five years!

"What a program. And what an
accomplishment! A people stripped
of all earthly possessions, money,
homes, factories, lands, rebuilt in
five short years, a city-state which
was the envy of long-settled commu-
nities" (Berrett, The Restored
Church, p. 150). A miracle had
occurred!

Colonel Thomas L. Kane, in a
speech before the Historical Society
of Philadelphia, gave this graphic
picture of Nauvoo:

"A few years ago, ascending
the upper Mississippi in the autumn,
when its waters were low, I was
compelled to travel by land past the
region of the rapids. My road lay
through the Half Breed tract, a fine
section of Iowa, which the unsettled
state of its land titles had appropri-
ated as a sanctuary for coiners, horse
thieves and other outlaws. I had left
my steamer at Keokuk at the foot of
the lower falls, to hire a carriage and
to contend for some fragments of a
dirty meal with the swarming flies,
the only scavengers of the locality.

"From this place to where the
deep water of the river returns my
eye wearied to see everywhere sordid
vagabonds and idle settlers, and a
country marred without being im-
proved by their careless hands. I was
descending the last hillside upon my
journey, when a landscape in delight-
ful contrast broke upon my view.
Half encircled by a bend of the river,
a beautiful city lay glittering in the
fresh morning sun. Its bright new
dwellings [were] set in cool green
gardens ranging up around a stately
dome-shaped hill, which was
crowned by a noble marble edifice,
whose high tapering spire was radiant
with white and gold. The city ap-
peared to cover several miles, and
beyond it, in the background, there
rolled off a fair country chequered by

the careful lines of fruitful hus-
bandry. The unmistakable marks of
industry, enterprise and educated
wealth everywhere, made the scene
one of singular and most striking
beauty" (Memoirs of John R. Young,
Utah Pioneer, 1847, Salt Lake City:
The Deseret News, 1920, p. 31).

Accomplishments of early Saints

Each time I visit Nauvoo today,
my heart swells with pride at the ac-
complishments of the early Saints. I
marvel at its beauty, as a portion of
this miracle city has been restored
under the careful direction of Dr.
LeRoy Kimball.

I reflect on what made this city
so different from others I have stud-
ied in history. It is then that I re-
member these were special people;
they were dedicated to live the prin-
ciples of the Lord, our Savior. They
followed His admonition when He
said,

"Therefore take no thought,
saying, What shall we eat? or, What
shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall
we be clothed?

"... For your heavenly Father
knoweth that ye have need of all
these things.

"But seek ye first the kingdom
of God, and his righteousness; and
all these things shall be added unto
you" (Matt. 6:31-33).

Deep and abiding faith

Emerging out of the struggles to
build Nauvoo are two fundamental
principles which, when I think about
them, are as necessary for our suc-
cess today in 1980 as they were in
1840. First, there was a deep and
abiding faith in the gospel of Jesus
Christ. I marvel how tents and du-
gouts changed to beautiful brick and
frame homes. The difference was the
voice of a prophet rallying the Saints
to put their trust in the Lord.

ELDER L. TOM PERRY

103

I hear the cries today of break-
downs in our system. There is a
shortage here and a problem there,
and every time I analyze the diffi-
culty, I find it to be man-made. The
Lord's supply system continues to
work as it always has. The resources
are still available in abundance. We
worry about energy today, and some
wonder if a miscalculation has been
made in the heavens and the supply
will not last until the Millennium.
There is only one energy shortage
existing today, and that is what exists
between our own two ears.

How was this great faith devel-
oped in the hearts of our pioneer
forefathers? They understood a basic
tenet of the gospel. The Lord has
required some principles to be ac-
cepted by faith by His children here
on earth. Those principles which re-
quire acceptance by faith, however,
are supported by that for which we
have sure knowledge. There has
grown through the generations a re-
vealed truth that has been tested,
analyzed, studied, and practiced. The
early Saints understood that a knowl-
edge of the law of the Lord, as con-
tained in the scriptures, was the best
foundation on which they could build
their faith. They understood that the
more the gap was closed between the
principles which must be accepted by
faith and those which could be ob-
tained by knowledge, the stronger
would be their faith.

In all of the history of mankind
there has never been a time when we
have had a greater opportunity to in-
crease our knowledge of the law of
the Lord. Each new season brings
new lesson manuals, training aids,
written words of inspiration, topical
guides, cross-referencing systems,
recorded tapes, etc., to increase our
effectiveness in our study of the
scriptures. The Church has even
moved to a consolidation of the Sun-
day meeting schedules to allow addi-
tional hours at home on the Lord's

day to study together as families.
Surely there can be no excuse for us
not to become the best informed gen-
eration of all time in our knowledge
of the scriptures. Never before have
we had opportunity such as we have
today to become real gospel scholars.

Industry

The second principle taught to
us by our pioneer forefathers was
that of industry. They understood
that something can never be gener-
ated from nothing. It was the united
efforts of all that produced the great-
est results. I wonder where Nauvoo
would have been after five years if
they had been worrying about paid
vacations, coffee breaks, working too
hard for what they received,
unemployment benefits, etc. They
only understood the principle that
combined labor produces wealth. To
survive, you must produce more than
you consume. The wealth of this
Church will always be measured by
the ability of its members to work
together, not by assets listed on a
balance sheet.

The skill of one will be added to
the skill of another as we work side
by side. I often marvel at the number
of special educations I have received
through Church service. Calls to the
welfare farm have taught me the art
of gardening; work assignments on
chapels have developed manual skills
of carpentry, plumbing, painting, and
cleaning. Church calls have given me
an understanding of organization and
administration. Missionary service
taught the fine points of how to sell.
Church service has given me a much
more liberal, well-rounded education
than a college degree could possibly
bestow. The benefits to me have
been multiplied a thousandfold over
that which I would have received if
I'd been paid for that service.

Then there is so much fun in
Church service. I remember one hot

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summer evening when we were en-
gaged in a ward building-fund proj-
ect. We had contracted to supply the
food service at a state fair. I was
assigned to the dishwashing detail
along with Bay Hutchings, another
member of our ward. We were work-
ing across the counter from the cus-
tomers who were enjoying our
delicious food. There was a call from
the cashier's cage: "Dr. Hutchings,
the hospital is calling you." Sud-
denly all the forks were suspended in
midair. The customers turned one to
another and exclaimed, "A doctor
washing dishes?" We had to imme-
diately explain that this was a Church
building-fund project.' No one was
being paid for his services. The wait-
ers, cooks, dishwashers, and busboys
were doctors, lawyers, merchants,
chiefs— all having one great time
working together for our project. We
must never forget that the wealth, the
strength, the security of the Church
is our ability to labor together. Let us
be a righteous example of this funda-
mental principle in our homes, our
places of employment, our neighbor-
hoods, our communities, our states,
and our nations.

Formula for success

The history of the Lord's deal-
ings wih His children, as revealed
through His prophets, has clearly
outlined a formula for success for our
mortal experience. First, it is to have

a foundation in our mortal experi-
ence, a deep and abiding faith in the
gospel of Jesus Christ. Our value
system must conform to His, must be
consistent with His teachings.

Second is the process of labor-
ing together to use the power of a
child of God to build a better world.
In this jubilee year let the trump
sound again from the tops of the
mountains. Let us rejoice and appre-
ciate the accomplishments of the
past. But more importantly, let this
be a year of determined effort to
teach correct principles with all of
the energy we can muster. Let us
learn to work together to make our
homes places of love and beauty, our
communities clean and wholesome,
our nation fit for the blessings of the
Lord, and the world a place where
peace and understanding can dwell in
the hearts of all mankind.

I want to add my testimony to
this historic conference. God lives.
Jesus is the Christ. The greatest joy
we can find on this earth is conform-
ing our lives to His principles. This I
humbly pray, in the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.

President Marion G. Romney

Elder L. Tom Perry, a member
of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, has just spoken to us.

We shall now be pleased to hear
from Elder Dean L. Larsen, a mem-
ber of the Presidency of the First
Quorum of the Seventy.

Elder Dean L. Larsen

My comments today will bear
upon President Kimball's challenge to
us to rise above the plateaus we have
been on. They will relate also to the
added flexibility and freedom we are
being encouraged to assume in the
new pattern of Sunday worship and
weekday activity. I'll speak to the

principle which undergirds these new
developments. Latter-day Saints
understand that mortal life was pur-
posefully designed to place us in cir-
cumstances where we can be
individually tested and where, by the
exercise of the agency God has given
us, we can determine what our future

ELDER DEAN L. LARSEN

105

possibilities will be. The ancient
prophet Lehi understood this when he
said to his son Jacob, "Wherefore,
men are free according to the flesh;
and all things are given them which
are expedient unto man. And they are
free to choose liberty and eternal life,
through the great mediation of all
men, or to choose captivity and
death" (2 Ne. 2:27).

He further explained that men
"have become free forever, knowing
good from evil; to act for themselves
and not to be acted upon, save it be
by the punishment of the law . . .
according to the commandments
which God hath given" (2 Ne. 2:26).

Freedom to exercise moral agency

On one occasion the Lord ex-
plained that it was his desire that
"every man may act in doctrine and
principle pertaining to futurity, ac-
cording to the moral agency . . .
given unto him, that every man may
be accountable" (D&C 101:78).

When we understand what is
right and what is wrong, we are in a
position to exercise our freedom in
making choices. In so doing, we
must stand accountable for our deci-
sions, and we cannot escape the in-
evitable consequences of these
choices. Such freedom to exercise
moral agency is essential in an envi-
ronment where people have the high-
est prospects for progress and
development.

By our very endowment as chil-
dren of an Eternal Father, we have
had implanted within our souls the
urgency to be free. It is natural for
us to want to be accountable for our
own fates, because there is a whis-
pering within us confirming that this
accountability is absolutely essential
to the attainment of our eternal
destiny.

The existence of laws, regu-
lations, and procedures has never

been sufficient to compel men to
obedience. Productive obedience
comes through the exercise of free
will. Elder Albert E. Bowen of the
Quorum of the Twelve once said:

"It is a truism that no law is
any better than the people who ad-
minister it. Howsoever well framed a
law may be or however worthy its
purpose, it can degenerate into utter
futility unless wisely administered by
those sympathetic with its purposes"
(The Church Welfare Plan, Sunday
School manual, 1946, p. 115).

Self-accountability

We are told in the scriptures thai
prior to the creation of this earth,
fully one-third of all the hosts who
contemplated the challenges of mor-
tal life allowed themselves to be de-
luded into thinking that there were
acceptable alternatives to the essen-
tial risks that accompany the exercise
of agency and free will (see Abr.
3:27-28; Rev. 12:4). The price they
paid is beyond comprehension.
Today we are being encouraged to
accept greater responsibility for the
allocation of our time, for our spiri-
tual development through personal
and family study of the gospel, and
for giving loving Christian service.
We must be willing to respond to
this new challenge. Our willingness
to accept this added accountability
will exert an influence that will reach
far beyond our Sunday worship ser-
vice and religious life.

Unless we retain a vibrant desire
to be free, and unless we understand
and practice the principles that give
life to essential freedoms, we have
little reason to hope they will endure.
If we allow ourselves to accept de-
pendency and regulation and to cease
valuing independence and self-ac-
countability, then we are vulnerable
to the forces that destroy freedom. If
righteousness is judged primarily by

106

Sunday, April 6

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Second Day

the degree to which one responds to
programmed activity, then a condi-
tion develops within which opportu-
nities for progress decline. The
resulting tragedy affects the mortal
potential of man and has a profound
effect on his eternal possibilities as
well.

Programmed behavior cannot
produce the level of spiritual devel-
opment required to qualify one for
eternal life. A necessary range of
freedom and self-determination is es-
sential to one's spiritual develop-
ment. With an understanding of
correct principles and an intrinsic de-
sire to apply them, one must be
motivated within himself to do many
good things of his own free will; for,
as the revelation says, the power is
in him wherein he is an agent unto
himself (see D&C 58:27-28).

Balance of freedom and restraint

In preserving our freedom for
self-determination, we cannot ignore
the need for carefully ordered struc-
ture and procedure within govern-
ment or any other organization. A
careful balance must be maintained
between that which is ordered for the
welfare of the group and that which
is reserved for the conscience and the
incentive of the individual.

This necessary balance of free-
dom and restraint is essential to right
relationships within families and
communities, and it cannot be ig-
nored in our assignments within the
Church.

I have pondered the injunctions
that have come to us in recent
months from leaders of the Church to
simplify and reduce the number of
programmed activities prescribed for
the members. There seems to be a
sensitivity to the need for main-
taining this essential balance. We
have heard increased emphasis given
to the need for individual initiative
and accountability within families. In

his concluding remarks at the April
1979 general conference, President
Kimball said:

Individual spiritual growth

"The basic decisions needed for
us to move forward, as a people,
must be made by the individual
members of the Church. The major
strides which must be made by the
Church will follow upon the major
strides to be made by us as
individuals. . . .

"... Our individual spiritual
growth is the key to major numerical
growth in the kingdom" (ENSIGN,
May 1979, p. 82).

I rejoice in the spirit and intent
of this instruction from a living
prophet. I see in it the purposeful
effort to preserve our individual ac-
countability in the context of our
Church membership and religious
life.

When members of the Church
exercise self-determination in their
application of gospel principles, they
need not relax in their compliance
with these principles. In fact, opti-
mum progress can only occur when
conditions are ideal for it, and these
conditions must include the necessary
degree of freedom and self-account-
ability. Anything less will guarantee
stunted spiritual growth.

We must understand that as
freedom for unrestricted development
is enhanced, the possibilities for fail-
ure are also increased. The risk fac-
tor is great. The ideal cannot be
achieved otherwise. Celestial attain-
ment can be reached in no other
environment.

We have inspired leaders today
who are reconfirming the fact that
there is no ultimate safety in pro-
grammed security where others as-
sume accountability for our direction
and performance.

Those who insist that a Church
program exist for every contingency

ELDER DEAN L. LARS EN

107

and need are as much in error as
their counterparts who demand that
government intervene in every aspect
of our lives. In both instances the
ideal balance is destroyed with a re-
sultant detriment to human progress.

These are essential truths which
our leaders are reinforcing for us
today. These are challenging truths.
They demand much of us. They
press us to make our lives better by
our own initiative and by our own
efforts. They make no unconditional
promises.

At the same time, our obedience
to them preserves for us the elements
of life which make individual prog-
ress possible. They make life pur-
poseful and full of promise. They
lead to eternal progress. Humanity
cannot fulfill its destiny when these
truths are disregarded and abused. I
cherish them with all my soul and
am unreservedly committed to their
promulgation among all the peoples
of the earth. In the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.

President Marion G. Romney

We have just listened to Elder
Dean L. Larsen, a member of the
Presidency of the First Quorum of the
Seventy.

Our next speaker will be Elder
Hugh W. Pinnock of the First Quo-
rum of the Seventy and General Presi-
dent of the Sunday Schools of the
Church, who is with President
Spencer W. Kimball in the new cha-
pel at Fayette, New York, which
President Kimball dedicated this
morning.

Following Elder Pinnock's
address, we will be pleased to hear
from our beloved prophet, President
Spencer W. Kimball, who will deliver
the closing address of the conference
from the new Fayette chapel.

The first verse of "We Ever Pray
for Thee" will then be rendered by
the Fayette New York Branch choir,
directed by Robert B. Winebrenner

and accompanied by Alma Jean
Porschet. The second verse will be
rendered by the Mormon Youth
Chorus. The Mormon Youth Chorus
will then sing the closing hymn "God
Be with You." Following the sing-
ing, the benediction will be pro-
nounced by Elder Eldred G. Smith,
Patriarch Emeritus, who is also with
President Kimball in Fayette.

Before hearing from Elder
Pinnock, we should like to express,
on behalf of all who have listened to
the singing during sessions of this
general conference, appreciation and
our sincere gratitude to the members
of the Tabernacle Choir for again giv-
ing so generously of their time to
bring us the beautiful and inspiring
music heard at this conference.

We are appreciative of the
inspiring music performed by the
Relief Society choir at the Saturday
afternoon session, the Aaronic Priest-
hood choir at the priesthood session
last night, the Mormon Youth Chorus
at the session this afternoon, and the
Fayette New York Branch choir for
their singing at the sessions today.
We are thankful to their conductors
and organists.

We thank all who have contrib-
uted in various ways to the success
and inspiration of this conference,
especially the General Authorities
who have given such appropriate and
inspiring messages and such beautiful
prayers.

We appreciate the attention given
by local and national press representa-
tives and by representatives of radio
and television in reporting the
sessions of this conference.

We thank our city officials for
the cooperation given this conference;
the city traffic officers for courteously
and efficiently handling the increased
traffic; the Fire Department and the
Relief Society and Church Health
Unit nurses, who have been on hand
to render service throughout the
conference.

108

Sunday, April 6

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Second Day

We are grateful to the Tabernacle
ushers for seating the great audiences
of these conference sessions in such a
courteous manner.

We again express appreciation to
the owners and managers of the many
radio and television stations who have
given public service time to carry
sessions of this conference in the
United States, Mexico, and Canada;

and by satellite to Australia, Central
and South America, Spain, and
Taiwan.

We thank the interpreters who
have provided translation for the
sessions of the conference.

We shall now hear from Elder
Pinnock in Fayette, who will be fol-
lowed by President Kimball.

Elder Hugh W. Pinnock

What a marvelous day this has
been, and what an incredible age in
which we live! For over a year I have
thought of this great day — the dedica-
tion of these three buildings, the
many people who have made these
projects possible, and the remarkable
effect of the restoration of the gospel
upon the world.

Church growth explained

As we study this reinstitution
and the theological basis of the
Church, we will find ourselves think-
ing about the questions that so many
others have asked. What is the expla-
nation for the growth and the amaz-
ing influence of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints? What
does make Mormons different? Per-
plexed scholars, social critics, reli-
gionists, and cultural observers have
given many answers. Their responses
have ranged from describing the
Church as a social abnormality that
appeals to accomplishment-oriented
people to such a simplistic idea as a
conservative church always generates
interest during troubled times.

However, the more deeply one
wonders what makes us different
from our nonmember friends and
neighbors, the more certain is the an-
swer: the Redeemer and other heav-
enly messengers personally restored
the everlasting gospel to the earth.
That is why we are here.

A poet so aptly said, 'An hon-
est tale speeds best being plainly
told" (William Shakespeare, Richard
III, act 4, sc. 4, line 358). That is
my posture this day. The plain fact is
that we believe the very same con-
cepts that were revealed to the
prophets ever since the world began.
We utilize the same principles taught
by the Master two thousand years
ago.

As we study the Church today,
we conclude that it is the same in-
stitution that was on the earth so
many centuries ago. No other expla-
nation is sensible. This is why schol-
ars who attempt to relate the gospel
of Jesus Christ to popular movements
of the day, to a chance happening, or
to other responses simply do not
make sense, nor do they satisfy the
longings of even the most naive
seeker after truth.

Aspects of restored Church

An example: the Master, while
speaking to his disciples in the Old
World, said, "And other sheep I
have, which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring, and they
shall hear my voice; and there shall
be one fold, and one shepherd"
(John 10:16). We have known for
150 years that the other sheep were
those sons and daughters of our
Heavenly Father living here in the
Americas. These are they whom the

ELDER HUGH W. P1NNOCK

109

Savior visited after his resurrection.
Their lives and trials are recorded in
the Book of Mormon. No other log-
ical explanation can be given for that
verse in John. The restored gospel
also offers explanations for so many
other verses that have left biblical
scholars mystified and struggling.

Yes, the Church is essentially an
alien body implanted in fairly hostile
territory. As the Savior advised, we
are to be in the world but not part of
it. We are to be loyal soldiers in this
rebel world. Yes, we are different,
and we must remain that way.

Why else would a group of
people have the courage to respond
almost unanimously to a man whom
we know to be our prophet, seer, and
leader, one who receives revelations
continuously as needed? Similarities
are found in the times of ancient Is-
rael and again in the days of Jesus
Christ. Where else is found a church
that is structured with apostles and
prophets, patriarchs, seventies,
bishops, and teachers?

Here is a church that responds
to the Savior's admonition, "Suffer
the little children to come unto
me, ... for of such is the kingdom
of God" (Mark 10:14). The great
programs we have for our little ones
assure them from their first con-
sciousness that we love them and de-
sire to teach them the truth.

Consider these additional aspects
of the restored Church: a great
women's program involving in mean-
ingful ways over 400,000 of our sis-
ters who are leading and teaching in
various organizations; the Aaronic
Priesthood and the Melchizedek
Priesthood, which involve the men
and boys in a multiplicity of pow-
erful and helpful ways; worship ser-
vices on the first day of the week;
holy temples where eternal marriage
and other ordinances are performed,
including baptism for the dead; a
worldwide missionary system where-
in 30,000 men and women serve;

baptism by immersion for the remis-
sion of sins; an unpaid clergy ("free-
ly ye have received, freely give"
[Matt. 10:8]); teachings that stress the
redeeming and positive in life; and
an extensive welfare program to as-
sist the poor and needy in dignity
and love. The list goes on and on.

The events of this day further
testify that the happenings of fifteen
decades ago, which occurred here in
western New York state, began a
moral revolution that, as Daniel
prophesied, would roll forth to even-
tually encompass the globe. (See
Dan. 2).

Safety in the Church

There are other implications,
however, that need to be stated.
Where can one find spiritual, emo-
tional, and economic safety in order
to survive today's terrible cultural
storms? The world is messy and bent
on self-centeredness. Economic chaos
and political instability are also part
of today's environment, leaving
uneasiness, insecurity, and turmoil in
all of our lives. Fortunately, the Res-
toration gives us the panacea that
mends, directs, corrects, and heals;
but if we don't conform to this great
God-given system, we will be like
those unwise maidens who did not
trim their wicks and fill their lamps
with oil. We as a people are action-
oriented and work- inclined. Con-
formance to this eternal system of
energy expenditures does provide the
only complete set of answers, which
the world so desperately needs. May
we be wise.

Four suggestions to show gratitude

A grateful and sensitive member
of the Church could logically ask,
"What may I do personally to ex-
press gratitude for all that I am and
have because of my membership in

110

Sunday, April 6

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Second Day

and affiliation with the kingdom of
God?" Here are some suggestions:

First, utilize in personally help-
ful ways the advice and counsel of
our prophet. One of our unique char-
acteristics, as a people, is the fact
that we have a divinely appointed
leader, a heavenly designee, whose
authoritative responsibility has per-
sisted for 150 years, beginning at this
very spot with the first elder of the
Church, Joseph Smith. A prophet's
words are designed to provide joy for
us and for those we love, to include
direction that will intensify our eter-
nal effectiveness.

Second, become more expres-
sive to our friends, family members,
and neighbors concerning this great
restoration. In a revelation given on
this very day one and one-half cen-
turies ago, Jesus expressed the neces-
sity of being effective missionaries
when he said, "That as many as
would believe and be baptized in his
holy name, and endure in faith to the
end, should be saved" (D&C 20:25).

Third, serve, as called, in the
kingdom. In this same April 1830
revelation, the Lord said: "All those
who ... are willing to take upon
them the name of Jesus Christ, hav-
ing a determination to serve him to
the end, and truly manifest by their
works that they have received of the
Spirit of Christ . . . shall be received
by baptism into his church" (D&C

20:37; italics added).

Fourth, walk "in holiness before
the Lord" (D&C 20:69; see also
21:4). The Lord went on to say, a
sesquicentennial ago, that "by doing
these things the gates of hell shall
not prevail against you; yea, and the
Lord God will disperse the powers of
darkness from before you, and cause
the heavens to shake for your good,
and his name's glory" (D&C 21:6;
italics added). The most significant
sermons we will ever preach will be
through the acts we perform.

These are four simple steps, but
from them can come happiness and
peace that surpass understanding. To
reiterate:

First, follow the loving counsel
of our prophet and other Church
leaders.

Second, teach the gospel of
Jesus Christ. Doesn't integrity de-
mand that we tell others about this
great restoration?

Third, serve the Master. Mani-
fest our testimonies through our
words and works.

Fourth, walk in holiness and
live the commandments.

May each of us, as part of this
great jubilee year and sesquicenten-
nial celebration, conform our lives in
building, loving, forgiving, and heal-
ing ways to express gratitude for all
we have, I pray in the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.

President Spencer W. Kimball

This has been a glorious confer-
ence, my brothers and sisters! I have
felt close to those of you in the Taber-
nacle, even though we are separated
by a whole continent.

Greatness measured by deeds,
service

This great sesquicentennial con-
ference has brought us all close to
the beginnings of this dispensation.

We have been refreshed because of
those reminders. But even as we
speak of beginnings, events in the
world remind us that we are moving
ever closer to the ending of this dis-
pensation. So, for me, this confer-
ence has been filled with memories
and also with anticipation— feelings
which have combined to make me
more grateful than ever for the privi-
lege of being a part of this great
latter-day work.

PRESIDENT SPENCER W. KIMBALL

111

Viewed in perspective, 150
years isn't really a very long time,
even in human history. It is but a
brief moment in eternity. You and I
know that, actually, individuals and
institutions are measured by deeds,
not days; by service, not centuries.
Just as an individual's life can often
make up in quality what it lacks in
length of years, so The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has
compressed into 150 years many sig-
nificant accomplishments. We don't
have to be old to be great.

We have now had twelve Presi-
dents of the Church. I wish to ex-
press my deep and heartfelt
appreciation for each and all of the
eleven Presidents who have preceded
me and for all that they and their
associates and the general member-
ship of the Church were able to
achieve, often in the face of seem-
ingly insurmountable obstacles.

Steadfastness of members

One cannot study the history of
the Church without being impressed
with how steadfast the majority of
the Saints have always been in the
midst of difficulty. I sense that same
steadfastness in the Church today.
Our members know their Lord. They
know his leaders. They know their
Master's voice and follow it. They
do not follow strange voices nor the
spurious enticements of strangers.

We have been entrusted with a
special message for all the world.
We must ever be conscious of that
trust and ever be on the alert. There
is a tide to be taken now in the af-
fairs of the Church in all the earth
which will lift us up and carry us
forward as never before. Let us then
not weary in well doing.

Hold fast to iron rod

Now, my brothers and sisters,
as we move into the last half of the
Church's second century, let us keep
our faith beautifully simple. May we,

as Paul said, be "wise unto that
which is good, and simple con-
cerning evil" (Rom. 16:19). Learn to
recognize evil, and shun it always.
May we keep Church programs and
organizations simple. If we do, we
will build to a thrilling and rewarding
momentum in the days and months
and years ahead. The Savior urged
his followers to be "wise as ser-
pents, and harmless as doves" (Matt.
10:16). Let us follow that counsel
today. Let us so live that if people
speak critically of us they must do so
falsely and without justification.

Let us hold fast to the iron rod.
The Savior urged us to put our hand
to the plow without looking back. In
that spirit we are being asked to have
humility and a deep and abiding faith
in the Lord and to move forward —
trusting in him, refusing to be divert-
ed from our course, either by the
ways of the world or the praise of
the world. I see that quality of read-
iness and devotion in our people
today. There is so much yet to be
done! Let us, then, move forward; let
us continue the journey with length-
ened stride. The Lord will lead us
along, and he will be in our midst
and not forsake us.

I know with all my soul that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that
he died on the cross and was resur-
rected from the dead. He is the risen
Lord, the Great Presiding High
Priest, and he stands at the head of
the Church. Of this I testify this
beautiful Easter Sunday, on this great
anniversary of the restoration and or-
ganization of the Church on this very
spot 150 years ago. In the name of
Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Fayette Branch choir and the
Mormon Youth Chorus sang the
hymn "We Ever Pray for Thee." The
Mormon Youth Chorus then rendered
"God Be with You."

Elder Eldred G. Smith pro-
nounced the benediction.

112

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

GENERAL WELFARE SESSION
SATURDAY MORNING

A general welfare services
session was held in connection with
general conference on Saturday morn-
ing, April 5, 1980, beginning at 7
o'clock. Invited to attend this session
were General Authorities, Regional
Representatives, stake presidencies,
high councilors involved in welfare
work, bishoprics, stake and ward
Relief Society presidencies, and
others responsible for operating wel-
fare production products.

President Spencer W. Kimball
presided at this session. President
Marion G. Romney, Second Coun-
selor in the First Presidency,
conducted.

President Romney opened the
meeting with the following remarks:

President Marion G. Romney

President Spencer W. Kimball,
who presides at this conference, has
asked me to conduct this session.

We are happy to welcome you to
this general welfare services meeting
attended by general and local priest-
hood leaders and sisters of the Relief
Society. The matters to be presented
at this meeting are of vital importance
to the effectiveness of the welfare
program. We, therefore, request that
you instruct those under your direc-
tion in the things you will be taught
here.

Under the direction of Donald
Ripplinger with Roy Darley at the
organ, we shall begin this meeting by
singing hymn number 215, "Today,
While the Sun Shines." The invo-
cation will be offered by Elder Gene
R. Cook, a member of the First Quo-
rum of the Seventy and Executive
Administrator of the Andes Area.

The congregation sang the hymn
"Today, While the Sun Shines."

The invocation was offered by
Elder Gene R. Cook.

President Marion G. Romney

My beloved brothers and sisters,
I very much appreciate the opportu-
nity to meet with you this morning.
Since the welfare program was inau-
gurated in the mid- 1940s I believe I
have attended every such general con-
ference welfare meeting we have
held.

Serving our fellowman

The Church welfare program has
from its beginning been, in my mind,
associated with the second great
commandment. You will remember,
of course, that when one of the Phar-
isees asked Jesus "Which is the great

commandment in the law?" that he
responded, "Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy
mind.

"This is the first and great
commandment.

"And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself.

"On these two commandments
hang all the law and the prophets"
(Matt. 22:36-40).

As a ward bishop I was in-
volved in the welfare program when
it was first announced, and I have
been involved in it ever since.

PRESIDENT MARION G. ROMNEY

113

This long participation has
taught me that the crowning aspect of
a Christlike life is found in serving
one's fellowmen.

Welfare program based on eternal
principles

In the Church, serving and help-
ing one's neighbor is not done only
through spontaneous kindly deeds to
our immediate families and next-door
neighbors; it is also accomplished
through the Church welfare program,
which is based upon modern revela-
tion through prophets of this dis-
pensation. Its principles are eternal.
They have been revealed and imple-
mented, to some extent, where and
whenever the Lord has established
his church upon the earth. We read
in the Book of Mormon, for ex-
ample, that "Alma commanded that
the people of the church should im-
part of their substance, every one ac-
cording to that which he had; if he
have more abundantly he should im-
part more abundantly; and of him
that had but little, but little should be
required; and to him that had not
should be given.

"And thus they should impart of
their substance of their own free will
and good desires towards God, and
to those priests that stood in need,
yea, and to every needy, naked soul.

"And this he said unto them,
having been commanded of God; and
they did walk uprightly before God,
imparting to one another both tempo-
rally and spiritually according to their
needs and their wants" (Mosiah
18:27-29).

(This was, as you will remem-
ber, in America among the Nephites
about 147 B.C.)

In October 1936, the Presidency
of the Church issued this statement,
which continues today as the guiding
precept of welfare services:

"Our primary purpose was to
set up, in so far as it might be pos-
sible, a system under which the curse

of idleness would be done away
with, the evils of a dole abolished,
and independence, industry, thrift
and self respect be once more estab-
lished amongst our people. The aim
of the Church is to help the people to
help themselves. Work is to be re-
enthroned as the ruling principle of
the lives of our Church membership"
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, p.
3; see also Welfare Services Hand-
book, p. 1).

As a people and as a Church,
we accept as fundamental truth the
proposition that the responsibility for
one's own economic maintenance
rests (1) upon himself; (2) upon his
family; and (3) upon the Church, if
he is a faithful member thereof.

Self-sustaining

Welfare work divides itself into
three main divisions. First is the ba-
sic doctrine of being self-sustaining
to the full extent of one's ability. By
applying the principles of personal
and family preparedness, sometimes
referred to as temporal welfare, we
are to provide our own needs. So
doing puts us in position to share our
surplus with others. In his April 1937
conference talk, President J. Reuben
Clark outlined the course of indepen-
dence which should be followed by
every member of the Church. He
there said:

"What may we as a people and
as individuals do for ourselves to
prepare to meet this oncoming dis-
aster, which God in his wisdom may
not turn aside from us? . . .

"Let us avoid debt as we would
avoid a plague; where we are now in
debt let us get out of debt; if not
today, then tomorrow.

"Let us straitly and strictly live
within our incomes, and save a little.

"Let every head of every house-
hold see to it that he has on hand
enough food and clothing, and,
where possible, fuel also, for at least
a year ahead" (in Conference Re-
port, Apr. 1937, p. 26).

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Family assistance

When circumstances combine to
require help, it is Church doctrine
that one rely upon his family for as-
sistance. Obviously, no one should
become a charge upon the public
when his relatives are able to care for
him. Every consideration of kind-
ness, of justice, of fairness, of the
common good, and of humanity re-
quires this.

President Stephen L Richards
taught a principle which every family
in the Church would do well to bear
in mind:

"I think," said he, that "my
food would choke me if [I] knew that
while I could procure bread my aged
father or mother or near kin were on
public relief. I believe a decent fam-
ily pride is a salutary thing with any
people and in any nation . . . , a
family pride in wholesome, self-
reliant, and enterprising living — a
family pride that promotes the utmost
solicitude for each member of the
family. It wouldn't hurt my feelings
to hear a family boast that through
all vicissitudes they had come to
each other's help and had never re-
ceived public assistance. I have
known brothers and sisters to put
each other through school by hard,
self-sacrificing toil. I cannot imagine
any of these permitting their father
and mother to come to public relief"
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1944,
pp. 138-39).

Church assistance

Finally, aid is available from the
Church. It has been so in all dis-
pensations. Paul himself was a wel-
fare worker, in a very modern sense
of the term. We find him writing in
Romans 15:

"But now I go unto Jerusalem
to minister unto the saints.

"For it hath pleased them of
Macedonia and Achaia to make a

certain contribution for the poor
saints which are at Jerusalem.

"It hath pleased them verily;
and their debtors they are. For if the
Gentiles have been made partakers of
their spiritual things, their duty is
also to minister unto them in carnal
things" (Rom. 15:25-27).

The obligation of the Church to
help its poor is here placed by Paul
on a par with communicating spiri-
tual riches to those who are in dark-
ness. By both means we store up
treasures in heaven.

"Charge them," he says, "that
are rich in this world, that they be
not highminded, nor trust in uncer-
tain riches, but in the living God,
who giveth us richly all things to
enjoy;

"That they do good, that they
be rich in good works, ready to dis-
tribute, willing to communicate;

"Laying up in store for them-
selves a good foundation against the
time to come, that they may lay hold
on eternal life" (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

In our day, the Lord has given
us this charge:

"If thou lovest me thou shalt
serve me and keep all my
commandments.

"And behold, thou wilt remem-
ber the poor, and consecrate of thy
properties for their support that
which thou hast to impart unto them,
with a covenant and a deed which
cannot be broken.

"And inasmuch as ye impart of
your substance unto the poor, ye will
do it unto me; and they shall be laid
before the bishop of my church and
his counselors, two of the elders, or
high priests, such as he shall appoint
or has appointed and set apart for
that purpose" (D&C 42:29-31).

Essentially a question of
spirituality

The foregoing principles are true
when properly applied by members

PRESIDENT HAROLD G. HILLAM

115

and leaders alike. They bring about
the desired end of establishing the
Church and building up Zion. It is
true, however, that when not proper-
ly applied, difficulties follow. Within
two-and-a-half years after the original
Church welfare plan was put in place
by the First Presidency, President J.
Reuben Clark made this significant
statement in an address in Estes
Park, Colorado, 20 June 1939:

"The Church has found that the
whole problem is essentially a ques-
tion of spirituality, rather than of fi-
nance or economics [in getting
Church welfare work accomplished].
Where the spirituality has been high,
the Plan has succeeded; where the
spirituality is low, the Plan has
lagged. The Church has proved there
is no substitute for the great com-
mandments: 'Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy . . .
might, mind, and strength, and thy
neighbor as thyself [see D&C 59:5-6] "
(Church Welfare Plan: A Discussion,
General Church Welfare Committee,
1939, pp. 32-33).

While we have made great
strides in the program since that day,
the principle still applies. Everything
we do in welfare services must be
measured by its accomplishment in
spiritual terms. Givers must give out
of a righteous heart and with a will-
ing spirit. Receivers must receive
with thankfulness and gladness of
heart. The Spirit must confirm a
bishop's evaluation regarding assis-
tance. It must lead a home teacher
and a visiting teacher to know how
to respond to needs of families to

whom they are assigned. With righ-
teous intent, participating in this
great work sanctifies the soul and en-
larges the mind. As we spiritually
mature in fulfilling our welfare re-
sponsibilities, whatever they may be,
we prepare ourselves to become
"partakers of the divine nature" (see
2 Pet. 1:4). May it be our happy lot
to be filled with that measure of
spirit that we may be sealed with the
bond of charity, which, as Moroni
said, "is the pure love of Christ, and
it endureth forever; and whoso is
found possessed of it at the last day,
it shall be well with him.

"Wherefore, my beloved breth-
ren, pray unto the Father with all the
energy of heart, that ye may be filled
with this love, which he hath be-
stowed upon all who are true follow-
ers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye
may become the sons of God; that
when he shall appear we shall be like
him, for we shall see him as he is;
that we may have this hope; that we
may be purified even as he is pure"
(Moro. 7:47-48).

It is my prayer that each and
every one of us will learn and apply
these fundamental principles of wel-
fare services and gain thereby the
promised reward, in the name of
Jesus Christ, amen.

President Marion G. Romney

We shall now listen to President
Harold G. Hillam, president of the
Idaho Falls Idaho South Stake.

He will be followed by Sister
Shirley W. Thomas, second counselor
in the Relief Society.

President Harold G. Hillam

I have made it a habit of running
three miles every day, and I would
have to admit that this walk up here
leaves me a little more out of breath
than the end of three miles. It is a
humbling experience to occupy this
pulpit, which has been occupied by

such great, great men in welfare
services.

Teton Dam experiences

Sometime after the collapse of
the Teton Dam and the ensuing

116

Saturday, April 5

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flooding disaster which affected sev-
eral counties in eastern Idaho, while
serving as the area welfare leader, I
was asked to speak on behalf of the
Church to a group of people who
were responsible for civil defense
and disaster relief. They included
representatives from city, county,
state, and federal organizations as
well as a number of religious, volun-
teer, and service groups. The re-
quested topic was how the LDS
Church is prepared to respond to
emergency crises.

I realized that they had already
observed the response of the Church
to the flood. They saw firsthand how
the bishops' storehouse system was
almost immediately prepared to ship
in truckloads of supplies and then
stood by to fill the requests of the
local priesthood leaders. They saw
the Deseret Industries help bring or-
der out of chaos. Large mountains of
clothing were donated from many
parts of the country and placed in
large, unsorted piles. There were par-
ty dresses with work shoes, small
sizes with large, men's with
women's, and clean with soiled. In a
very short time the Deseret Industries
had these much-needed articles of
clothing cleaned, pressed, sized, and
placed on racks from which those in
need could choose for their particular
needs.

They saw how the LDS Social
Services was available to help the
people in their social and emotional
needs as emotional tolerances were
pressed to the limit. Many jobs were
lost due to the flood, and many new
ones were created. LDS employment
program was busy as employees and
employers were matched together.
They saw, as did people from all
over the world, the many thousands
of volunteers who came, at their own
expense, to help in the cleanup
effort.

There was a need in the early

days of the flood cleanup for heavy
equipment. A request was made for
tractors and front-end loaders from
stakes both near and far. We thought
in terms of 5 or 6 outfits. Soon after
the request was made, the area wel-
fare leader from Soda Springs, ap-
proximately 165 miles away, called
and said, "President, I understand
that you need some tractors and
front-end loaders. We are ready and
prepared to bring 150." I told him
that 20 would be marvelous.

There was a need for elec-
tricians to restore power to the homes
that lost it because of the flood. We
estimated that 150 would be a great
response. The call went out. We
didn't get just 150. More than 450
licensed electricians and helpers re-
sponded to that call. This same type
of devotion and dedication was
shown many, many times over as a
variety of needs was fulfilled.

LDS Social Services

It was evident to this group to
whom I would speak, as well as to
others, what had happened in this
major crisis, but were they aware of
those who are helped every day on
an individual basis— for example, the
young girl who found love, under-
standing, and kind assistance from
LDS Social Services when she was
confronted with a major crisis in her
life? Because of wise counsel, she
did not compound an already serious
problem with a graver tragedy when
she found that there is an alternative
to the accepted worldly philosophy of
abortion.

They did not know of the many
other services of LDS Social Ser-
vices, the childless marriages with
loving homes who are blessed with
the opportunity to adopt a little in-
fant, the Lamanite program, profes-
sional counseling, foster homes, and
others.

PRESIDENT HAROLD G. HILLAM

117

Deseret Industries

I was sure that most of them did
not totally understand the Deseret In-
dustries; and most certainly did not
understand that it is a living example
of the principle of consecration,
wherein each of us has the opportuni-
ty to give freely of our surpluses,
and then those great people who are
not willing to be spectators in the
arena of life are given the opportuni-
ty to maintain their dignity by enjoy-
ing the blessing of work. Perhaps
they were not even aware that Dese-
ret Industries is open for all to make
purchases which are so helpful in
meeting the pressures of an inflated
economy. Shopping at Deseret In-
dustries is like shopping at an exclu-
sive store. There are many items that
are one of a kind, and with ship-
ments arriving daily we have an op-
portunity to make new choices every
day.

On one occasion when I had ar-
rived early at Deseret Industries prior
to our monthly meeting of the local
operating committee, I made a tour
of the well-organized displays and
racks of commodities. My eyes were
drawn to the area of overcoats. One
particularly appealed to me. It was a
fine, all-wool, English-tailored coat.
I thought, "If it fits, I'll buy it." I
looked at the price: four dollars and
seventy-five cents! At that price, I
knew it fit. I bought it and I paid
cash for it. I took it home and, when
I modeled it for my wife, I put my
hands in the pockets, and there were
a number of rare, one-cent postage
stamps. I guess the stamps them-
selves were worth probably about as
much as I had paid for the coat. And
I suspect that I was probably the only
person who made a purchase at
Deseret Industries who not only
made an excellent buy but also re-
ceived stamps!

Blessing those in need

This group of people to whom I
would speak certainly had no way of
knowing about the father who found
himself with his loving bishop ex-
claiming, "Bishop, tragedy has
struck our family. I have lost my
job. I need welfare." That knowl-
edgeable bishop replied, "Brother,
you don't need welfare. What you
need is a job, and you have come to
the right place." That wise bishop
had just taught the great principle of
work. The bishop's comment was not
an idle remark, because he had avail-
able to him, as a part of the great
storehouse system, a ward employ-
ment specialist, who has access not
only to the employers within the
ward and stake but also, through the
employment center, to those through-
out the entire area. If a job could not
be found in the open market, that
same employment specialist would
become a resource to the bishop to
help find meaningful work opportuni-
ties for the needy brother within the
Lord's plan, thus allowing that father
the joy of maintaining his dignity by
working for the commodities re-
ceived. This same employment sys-
tem serves the needs of all members
as they seek employment and seek to
upgrade their opportunities.

This group of interested people
that I would speak to wanted to
know what we as the Church can do
in a major disaster, but that is not
all. There are heartaches, hurts,
problems — yes, even dis-
asters—which occur in every life at
some time. And, in the individual's
life, those personal disasters are just
as real and just as deserving of our
help as the disaster of those involved
in the flood in eastern Idaho, or the
earthquake in Guatemala, or the
flooding in California.

I wanted this group to know that

118

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

in the Church not only are we pre-
pared to deal with major disasters
which involve many, but the Lord's
plan provides for the loving care of
each of his children on an individual,
one-on-one basis.

Those of us who are here today
have at our disposal the principles of
the welfare plan, which assist us in
helping to bless those who are in
need.

I give you my solemn witness
that we are engaged in the Lord's
work. May each one of us strive to
carry out our stewardships, so the
work may be done in His own way.
The work and labor which we per-
form in welfare services will lead us

steadily forward to that time when
we will be blessed to live the great
law of consecration in a Zion
society.

May each of us be found doing
our duty, I pray in the name of him
whose plan it is, even Jesus Christ,
amen.

President Marion G. Romney

President Harold G. Hillam,
president of the Idaho Falls Idaho
South Stake, has just spoken to us.

Sister Shirley W. Thomas, sec-
ond counselor in the general presi-
dency of the Relief Society, will now
address us.

Sister Shirley W. Thomas

Devotion of early sisters

In the early spring of 1842 the
Female Relief Society of Nauvoo
united the charitable efforts of women
in a desire to support the priesthood in
the cause of Zion. The Prophet Joseph
Smith told the sisters "their offering
[was] accepted of the Lord," and the
sisters gave unstintingly ("Story of
the Organization of the Relief
Society," Relief Society Magazine,
Mar. 1919, p. 129). Following his
injunction to search out the poor and
needy and minister to their wants,
they called a committee that went
from house to house. The members
who had means were asked to give,
and the needy were referred to the
society for aid.

Their reports typically read: one
family "poor, sick & distressed and
no bedding," two families by the
river "sick & nothing to eat," one
widow "destitute of money" (Relief
Society of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, History
of Relief Society 1842-1966, Salt
Lake City: General Board of Relief
Society, p. 24). Donations included

sugar, bedding and clothes, onions,
flour — whatever they had to give.
One sister, having no goods, offered
her time, "any portion or all," she
said. Another would "knit, sew or
wait on the sick" (History of Relief
Society 1842-1966, p. 23). When
President Joseph Smith organized the
Relief Society, he predicted "better
days [for] the poor and needy," and
through the efforts of these devoted
sisters many Saints were cared for
and comforted (See History of the
Church, 4:607).

Perhaps this one line, taken
from the records, could best describe
these efforts: "We have not said be
ye warmed and clothed without
trying to do it" (History of Relief
Society 1842-1966, p. 25). To a
divine concept they added their com-
mitment—and to gospel principles,
practice.

Today's problems

Today's problems of families re-
flect the increasing complexity of our
time. The welfare services of the
Church include multiple systems and

SISTER SHIRLEY W. THOMAS

119

long-range plans, but the constant
through all its development is the ap-
plication of gospel principles in lov-
ing concern for another's need.

A Relief Society president
knows that, in spite of a report which
shows members receiving temporary
assistance constitute 4 percent of a
ward, to the sister in distress it is
100 percent. Her needs are whole
and real. Consider the case of a
woman we shall call Sister Allen.
Troubled and lonely, she had just re-
turned from a hospital stay and major
surgery. Two months before, her
husband had abandoned his responsi-
bilities to their family of five. The
bishop had visited, and now the Re-
lief Society president came. It was a
family-needs visit, and as they talked
Sister Allen spoke wistfully of hav-
ing some cream of asparagus soup
and blueberry muffins. These items
were not on the bishop's order form
and could have been dismissed as not
available. But the president really
wanted to serve Sister Allen and
wondered if this rather special
request might suggest a need for
more than food. What was Sister Al-
len's real need? Was it for com-
modities or for consideration, for
someone to demonstrate that she was
worthwhile by giving her special at-
tention now, when her problems
seemed to overwhelm her?

Sensitivity to needs

Sensing the larger need, the Re-
lief Society president ordered the
items available through the store-
house, then assigned compassionate
service responsibilities to her visiting
teachers and others to provide meals
that included the muffins and the
soup and also to show their concern
in other visible and tangible ways.
Sister Allen responded. She got bet-
ter, aided by the food but more so by
their friendship.

Each problem is in some way
unique and may require a special

sensitivity to the care needed. Presi-
dent Romney said at last October
conference that no hard-and-fast rules
will ever be given in answer to the
questions, Who should assist? How
much assistance should be given?
How long and how often should I
assist? (see Ensign, Nov. 1979, p.
96).

Caring for others, like the
"quality of mercy," is "twice blest:
Bless[ing] him that gives and him that
[receives]" (William Shakespeare,
Merchant of Venice, act 4, sc. 1,
lines 184, 186-87). In giving we
grow in patience, humility, faith — all
the elements of that pure love called
charity. Every sister, whether she is
single or married, living alone or in a
family, needs the opportunity to
develop these Christlike attributes.

Relief Society works with priest-
hood leaders to care for the sick and
needy and at the same time teaches,
through its curriculum, the welfare
principles and concepts which help
every sister meet her own needs and
give to others the kind of care that
has always distinguished truly com-
passionate service.

Foundation of six welfare
principles

The six welfare principles
stressed by President Kimball — love,
work, service, stewardship, self-re-
liance and consecration — are the
foundation stones upon which all
welfare services are built. Relief So-
ciety, incorporating them into its les-
sons, teaches the Christlike qualities
of pure love, or charity; teaches that
work sustains, that service gives
work its meaning, that stewardship
brings accountability, and that self-
reliance allows a freedom to focus on
another's needs, and that consecra-
tion is to give all one has.

The stake Relief Society educa-
tion counselor can foster an under-
standing of these principles by first
identifying them in Relief Society

120

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

lessons; for example, the relationship
of work and self-reliance to problem
solving, or the importance of love
and service in building self-esteem.
Then, recognizing the importance of
these principles not only in helping
sisters to serve but in preparing them
to meet or prevent crises in their own
lives, she can make certain that they
are emphasized in Relief Society
teaching.

An education counselor should
remember the words of the Lord
when he said, "I will put my laws
into their mind, and write them in
their hearts" (Heb. 8:10). She should
recognize her stewardship to see that
these gospel principles are taught in
the Relief Societies of her
stake — taught so effectively that sis-
ters "having heard the word, keep it,
and bring forth fruit with patience"
(Luke 8:15).

Recently, we met a young
woman who had learned to make
these principles operative in her life.
Bringing Sister Smith a beautiful
rose, she came to express her love
and her gratitude for the blessings of
the gospel. She is handicapped, and
so is the more grateful for blessings
because she knows so well pain and
difficulty. When telling of how she is
able to keep a house and care for a
husband, she said it does take her
longer, but a friend goes to the store
to get what she needs, and she has
learned to do almost everything else
for herself. Cutting carrot strips for a
ward dinner is a challenge, but she
does it and in accepting such oppor-
tunities enjoys the fulfillment of
service.

Support priesthood

The desire to support the priest-
hood in this great latter-day work,
first seen in the Nauvoo sisters, has

led Relief Society women over many
years to establish health facilities,
store grain, serve adoptive parents,
and meet other critical needs. This
same desire motivates the Relief So-
ciety today. Teaching is one means
of helping the sisters and their fami-
lies realize the great promise declared
by President Kimball:

"As givers gain control of their
desires and properly see other needs
in light of their own wants, then the
powers of the gospel are released in
their lives. They learn that by living
the great law of consecration they
insure not only temporal salvation
but also spiritual sanctification" (EN-
SIGN, Nov. 1977, p. 77).

That we may each fulfill our
stewardship and earn this great re-
ward I pray in the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.

President Marion G. Romney

We have just listened to Sister
Shirley W. Thomas, second counselor
in the general presidency of the Relief
Society.

Brother Ripplinger will now lead
us in singing hymn number 98, "Let
Us All Press On." After the singing,
Bishop Victor L. Brown, Presiding
Bishop of the Church, will address
us.

The congregation sang "Let Us
All Press on."

President Romney

Bishop Victor L. Brown, Presid-
ing Bishop of the Church, will now
speak to us and he will be followed
by Elder Ronald E. Poelman, a mem-
ber of the First Quorum of the
Seventy.

BISHOP VICTOR L. BROWN

121

Bishop Victor L. Brown

My dear brothers and sisters, it is
always an inspiring experience to
meet with you in the welfare session
of general conference. When we con-
sider the significance of this confer-
ence as being convened on the one
hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the
organization of the Church, it seems
appropriate to address the subject
"Welfare Services: Past, Present, and
Future. "

Eternal principles

The eternal principles upon
which welfare services exist today
were given by the Lord at the time of
Adam. They have not changed over
the centuries, nor will they change in
the future. The Lord instructed Adam
to subdue the earth with this charge:
"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou
eat bread" (Gen. 3:19). Thus, in the
beginning he taught the principles of
work and self-reliance. In modern
scripture the Lord declared: "Thou
shalt not be idle; for he that is idle
shall not eat the bread nor wear the
garments of the laborer" (D&C
42:42).

To the head of the family he
gave this latter-day charge: "And
again, verily I say unto you, that
every man who is obliged to provide
for his own family, let him provide,
and he shall in nowise lose his
crown" (D&C 75:28).

After providing for our own, the
Lord explained that our next duty is
to the poor and distressed among us.
In section 44 of the Doctrine and
Covenants we read:

"Behold, I say unto you, that
ye must visit the poor and the needy
and administer to their relief" (D&C
44:6).

Charity

Administering to the relief of
our neighbor is born of pure love or
charity. In his memorable letter to

the Corinthians, Paul explained,
"Though I speak with the tongues of
men and of angels, and have not
charity, 1 am become as sounding
brass, or a tinkling cymbal" (1 Cor.
13:1).

Moroni further explained:
"Charity is the pure love of Christ,
and it endureth forever; and whoso is
found possessed of it at the last day,
it shall be well with him" (Moro.
7:47).

By following the pure impulses
of charity, members contribute re-
sources to the Church from which the
bishop may draw to help those in
need. The Lord's charge to Bishop
Whitney was to "travel round about
and among all the churches, search-
ing after the poor to administer to
their wants by humbling the rich and
the proud" (D&C 84:112).

Basic expectations

From these scriptures we learn
that the Lord expects several basic
things of his people:

1. He expects each individual to
work and to provide for himself.

2. He expects each family to
work together, to be independent and
self-reliant.

3. He expects the husband and
father to provide for his own.

4. He expects us as individuals
and families to share our abundance
with the poor and distressed.

5. He expects the bishop to
search out the poor and the sick and
to see that they are cared for.

6. And above all, he expects his
people to have charity in their hearts
for their fellowmen.

Since welfare services are the
gospel in action, we know that these
divine principles are unchanging.
They are eternal.

The Prophet Joseph Smith
taught these great principles 150
years ago.

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Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

Growth and development

While the early members prac-
ticed the principles of welfare in
rudimentary application, it was in the
1930s that the welfare services pro-
gram, as we know it, was forma-
lized. It applied to the stakes of
Zion, which at that time were mostly
in the western part of the United
States and Canada. Production proj-
ects, canneries, and storehouses were
established among the people. Now,
although there is still much to be
done, the welfare services activities
in the United States and Canada are
approaching maturity.

By the end of 1982, nearly
every bishop in these areas of the
Church will have access to a physical
storehouse. There are presently in
operation 802 production projects, 51
central and regional bishops' store-
houses, 20 Deseret Industries, 24
employment centers, and 35 LDS
Social Services agencies. These exist
as resources from which bishops can
help the Saints become self-reliant as
well as assist those who are unable to
provide for themselves.

Now, as to the overseas areas of
the Church: Over the past ten years,
the international growth of stakes has
been phenomenal, increasing from 41
to 269. With this growth, the welfare
services program is being introduced
on an orderly basis. While every new
member can and should live all gos-
pel covenants relative to welfare, we
do not expect branches and new
wards to implement the full program
until they have the capability to do
so. It has taken more than forty years
for welfare services to reach their
present status in the United States
and Canada. We look forward to the
day when the whole Church is suffi-
ciently mature to have the entire pro-
gram fully operative. It will require
wise teaching of basic principles,
along with careful planning, for mea-
sured and timely growth to occur.
The basic principles discussed earlier

must be taught and lived before the
program can appropriately move
forward.

There are those who would like
to establish the full program immedi-
ately. Some time ago, Church leaders
in one country asked: "When are
you going to bring the full program
to us? Our people need it desper-
ately." What they did not understand
is that we do not just bring a pro-
gram to the stakes. It is a part of the
complete gospel plan and will devel-
op a step at a time. One does not
begin at the top rung of the ladder.

Welfare programs around the
world

There are many exciting and
heart-warming developments in vari-
ous parts of the world. Long-range
welfare services master plans have
been received from England, New
Zealand, Australia, Argentina,
Uruguay, and Paraguay. Those stakes
in areas where master plans have
been approved are moving forward
with implementation under the direc-
tion of area councils which are well
organized and functioning
successfully.

In Great Britain, the local breth-
ren have just purchased a dairy proj-
ect to complement two row-crop
projects. They are also in the process
of acquiring facilities for a
storehouse.

In Australia they have acquired
five production projects and are pro-
ducing oranges and many other fruits
as well as every type of local vege-
table. They are planning to acquire
land this year for storehouses in sev-
eral major cities.

In Uruguay they are placing spe-
cial emphasis on personal and family
preparedness. Because of high
unemployment in that country, they
were authorized to establish an em-
ployment center last year. A wonder-
ful welfare services missionary

BISHOP VICTOR L. BROWN

123

couple and local volunteers are dili-
gently working to help members find
or upgrade their employment.

Carefully, but surely, progress is
being made toward Church prepared-
ness. However, we still have great
concern that as a people we are far
short of truly being prepared. The
heart of welfare services' success is
not Church preparedness but member
preparedness. The increased call by
bishops on the resources of the store-
house system is an indication that
many of our people do not have their
reserves and consequently are unable
to take care of their own basic needs.
I am afraid some members are labor-
ing under the illusion that in difficult
times the Church will take care of
them. This is not so. The Church is
prepared to take care of a limited
number of members for a relatively
short period of time.

Provide for our own needs

There should be no misunder-
standing on this point. The funda-
mental principle of welfare services
is that you and I provide for our own
needs. If serious economic disruption
were to occur, the Church would do
all in its power to alleviate suffering
by supplementing member efforts.
But it would not be able to do for the
Saints what we have been taught to
do for ourselves for over forty
years— that is, to have a year's sup-
ply of food, clothing, and, where
possible, fuel; to have savings in re-
serve; and to possess basic produc-
tion skills. This counsel has been
given at least twice a year for all
these years. Some have followed the
counsel of the Brethren and are pre-
pared, as were the five wise virgins.
Some, like the foolish virgins, do not
have enough oil in their lamps. (See
Matt. 25:1-13.)

A recent Church survey of a
representative number of members in
the United States indicates that in

emergency circumstances — such as
job loss, illness, or natural dis-
aster—the average family had the
following supplies: food, twenty-six
weeks; clothes, fifty-two weeks; wa-
ter, two weeks; and fuel, four days.
This is not even close to a year's
supply. The survey also indicates that
financial reserves are low. Only 17
percent could live for more than one
year on their financial reserves if in-
come were cut off; 45 percent report-
ed they could only live for three
months. The Lord says, "If ye are
prepared ye shall not fear" (D&C
38:30). I suppose each of us knows
into which category he falls. What a
wonderful thing it would be if all
were prepared.

Challenge for the future

Our challenge for the future is
to be prepared and to perfect our-
selves through keeping the command-
ments more fully. We may give of
our time and talents in service to
family, neighbors, church, and com-
munity. Through tithing and a gener-
ous fast offering, we may share of
our means to build up the Church
and care for the poor and the needy.
The Lord has given us this instruc-
tion in section 88 of the Doctrine and
Covenants:

"See that ye love one another;
cease to be covetous; learn to impart
one to another as the gospel requires.

"Cease to be idle; cease to be
unclean; cease to find fault one with
another; cease to sleep longer than is
needful; retire to thy bed early, that
ye may not be weary; arise early,
that your bodies and your minds may
be invigorated.

"And above all things, clothe
yourselves with the bond of charity,
as with a mantle, which is the bond
of perfectness and peace.

"Pray always, that ye may not
faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I
will come quickly, and receive you

124

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

unto myself" (D&C 88:123-26; ital-
ics added).

May we be blessed to provide
the leadership throughout the Church
that will cause the membership to be
prepared to be received by the Lord
when he comes, I pray in the name
of Jesus Christ, amen.

President Marion G. Romney

We have just listened to Bishop
Victor L. Brown, Presiding Bishop of
the Church.

Elder Ronald E. Poelman, a
member of the First Quorum of the
Seventy, will now speak to us. He
will be followed by President Spencer
W. Kimball, President of the Church.

Elder Ronald E. Poelman

The ancient Nephite prophet
King Benjamin counseled those who
had accepted the Savior and received
a remission of their sins with these
words: "For the sake of retaining a
remission of your sins from day to
day, ... I would that ye should
impart of your substance to the poor,
every man according to that which he
hath, . . . administering to their
relief, both spiritually and
temporally. . . .

"And see that all these things
are done in wisdom and order" (Mo-
siah 4:26-27).

Our living prophet of God,
Spencer W. Kimball, has said to us
who also have hope in Christ: "Wel-
fare Services is not a program, but
the essence of the gospel. It is the
gospel in action.

"It is the crowning principle of
a Christian life" (Ensign, 1977, p.
77).

How then may we, in wisdom
and order, most effectively use wel-
fare services to administer to the
spiritual and temporal needs of the
poor?

The answer is found in priest-
hood councils.

One year ago the area council
became the primary council in the
field to correlate, coordinate, plan,
and resolve problems. Now, a year
later, we may consider how the area
council is actually functioning, and,

more specifically, its role in (1) wel-
fare services master planning, (2)
teaching gospel principles germane to
welfare services, and (3) coordinating
the welfare services efforts of tem-
poral and ecclesiastical officers.

How the councils work

Personal experience suggests
that the principal, immediate benefit
from a renewed emphasis on Church
councils is the opportunity to coordi-
nate the efforts of temporal and ec-
clesiastical officers. Through
councils, Church leaders can better
work together to teach the doctrines,
principles, and practices of welfare
services and to plan for a great up-
surge in accomplishments. The en-
during personal friendships which
develop during this effort evoke our
noblest sentiments.

The Regional Representatives
and General Authority Executive Ad-
ministrator for an area, addressing
their welfare services responsibilities,
may rely heavily on the Welfare Ser-
vices area director.

In our first area council meet-
ing, an executive planning committee
was appointed, including selected
Welfare Services region agents and
certain specialists chosen from the
area. Also, a timetable was adopted.

Coordinated by this committee,
the region agents identified needs and

ELDER RONALD E. POELMAN

125

resources and received guidance from
region councils and from individual
priesthood leaders.

The specialists then organized
the information in a format provided
by the General Welfare Services
Committee and produced a proposed
area-wide phase 1 (or strategic) mas-
ter plan for consideration, modifica-
tion, and, finally, approval by the
area council.

Following such approval, the
proposed plan will be presented to
each region council in the area, and
then, by a Regional Representative,
to each stake welfare services com-
mittee and bishop's council for re-
view and approval. Finally, this
phase 1 (or strategic) plan will be
submitted to the General Welfare
Services Committee.

Once the approval of that com-
mittee has been obtained, we will be-
gin phase 2, or the operational
master plan.

Planning and goals

As planning develops, a need is
recognized to perform more effec-
tively that which the Lord has al-
ready taught us; for example, to
provide meaningful work for more of
those receiving assistance and to im-
prove the productivity of our present
resources.

Both improving the present sys-
tem and planning for additional ac-
complishment require that principles
which pertain to welfare services be
taught more effectively.

Therefore, our area council
adopted a formal teaching plan which
includes specific doctrines, prin-
ciples, and practices to be taught;
identifies by whom, to whom, and
when the teaching shall occur; and
involves everyone in the priesthood
line and Relief Society presidents.

Concurrently, a family guide for
emergency preparedness is being

compiled. Suggestions on how to im-
plement it and a schedule for deliver-
ing it through the priesthood line into
every home are also being prepared.
This project, not yet finally approved
by our area council, is intended to be
a first step toward more complete
family preparedness, the foundation
of welfare services.

Also, the first annual service
evaluation of welfare services by ec-
clesiastical leaders was recently con-
ducted to determine what is
succeeding and what can be
improved.

A master plan is our principal
tool in purposeful preparation. Its or-
ganized data, including a detailed
capital budget, enables the council to
make informed decisions, to accu-
rately measure progress, and to
wisely allocate resources according to
correct priorities.

Spiritual preparation

The plan defines goals and pro-
cedures which have been adopted by
common consent, prepares us for a
higher purpose, and enables us to
serve more individuals in an expand-
ing circle. Thus, the plan becomes
the vision of the heart, and we have
increased awareness of inspiring con-
cepts which, though not new, come
to us with invigorating freshness.

As we carefully and prayerfully
develop a plan to prepare for the
times of stress that are ahead, the
magnitude of the challenge may seem
overwhelming. Providing even tem-
porary assistance to 15 percent or
perhaps even 30 percent of the
Church members may seem beyond
our capability. However, in addition,
we must plan to provide meaningful
work for those who become unem-
ployed and to assist with the physi-
cal, emotional, and social problems
that inevitably accompany periods of
economic stress.

126

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

First Day

However, "the Lord giveth no
commandments unto the children of
men, save he shall prepare a way for
them that they may accomplish the
thing which he commandeth them"
(1 Ne. 3:7). Coordinating our effort
as temporal and ecclesiastical officers
in area councils, we can accept the
commandment and find the way.

The wisdom of Solomon advises
that "where there is no vision, the
people perish" (Prov. 29:18).

The Lord through his prophets
has warned us of stressful times to
come and has provided us with the
organization, principles, and direc-
tion to prepare. When we seek the
Spirit of the Lord in welfare services
work we will be blessed with vision
and the people will not perish. If we
are prepared, we need not fear (see
D&C 38:30).

Spiritual preparation is not com-
plete, however, until we have done
all that we can to prepare temporally.
Then what is lacking will be supplied
by the Lord.

Councils foster unity

Unity in temporal matters, as in
spiritual matters, is essential to our
success. At each step, consensus of
the council members must be ob-
tained, through prayer and dis-
cussion, to achieve that unity which
is prerequisite to the Lord's help. To
be effective, decisions must be
reached by divine consensus, not by
compromise. Participants are not
competing advocates, representing
special interests, but rather contrib-
uting members of a unified body.

The priesthood council is a form
of management unique to the divine
Church. It assembles to receive the
Lord's law by the prayer of faith, to
agree upon his word, and to learn
how to govern the Church and have
all things right before the Lord (see
D&C 41:2-3). The council's strength

and effectiveness derive from coordi-
nating individual skills and abilities
united with a shared purpose.

"For all have not every gift
given unto them; for there are many
gifts, and to every man is given a
gift by the Spirit of God.

"To some is given one, and to
some is given another, that all may
be profited thereby" (D&C 46:11-12;
italics added).

All things are spiritual

It is of fundamental importance
to remember that there are temporal
aspects to each spiritual calling and
spiritual aspects to every temporal
calling. In the words of Brigham
Young: "If a man is called ... to
manufacture the clothing that is nec-
essary for the Saints, and he goes at
that business with his eye single to
the building up of the kingdom of
God on the earth he is entitled to the
Spirit of the Holy Gospel, and he
will receive and enjoy it just as much
as if he were preaching the Gospel.
. . . [He will have] the spirit to know
how to raise sheep, to procure the
wool, to put machinery in operation
to make the clothing for the advance-
ment, benefit and building up of the
people of God on the earth. And the
Spirit of the Lord is here in these
labors— farming, merchandizing and
in all mechanical business just as
much as it is in preaching the Gos-
pel, if men will live for it" (in Jour-
nal of Discourses , 11:293-94).

The challenge and opportunity
of welfare services master planning
become evident when, as the plan
emerges, we realize that by mortal
standards the task is impossible, the
need too great, the resources in-
sufficient. It is then we know that we
must step up to a higher level
spiritually.

The Lord tells us in section 70
of the Doctrine and Covenants that

PRESIDENT SPENCER W. KIMBALL

111

an abundance of the manifestation of
the Spirit among us depends upon
our willingness to share temporal
blessings (see D&C 70:12-14).

Therefore, we must sacrifice our
narrow traditions, local interests, and
selfish pride to achieve the love and
unity indispensable in a Zion society.
The principles of love, service,
work, self-reliance, consecration, and
stewardship must relate to a specific
plan, in a particular area, to serve
individual needs with well-managed
resources. Personal and family pre-
paredness and local self-sufficiency
must be related to identified commu-
nities, families, production projects,
and storehouses.

The abstract becomes concrete
when we identify welfare services
principles with people, places, and
things we know. Temporal appli-
cation of spiritual laws transforms
theology into religion.

Through priesthood councils we
may, in wisdom and order, most ef-
fectively use welfare services to ad-

minister to the spiritual and temporal
needs of the poor, thus experiencing
the gospel in action and learning to
live the Christian life, to which I
testify in the sacred name of our Sav-
ior, Jesus Christ, amen.

President Marion G. Romney

We have just listened to Elder
Ronald E. Poelman, a member of the
First Quorum of the Seventy.

It will now be our pleasure to
listen to President Spencer W.
Kimball, President of the Church,
who will be our concluding speaker.

The first general session of the
150th Annual Conference of the
Church will convene in the Taber-
nacle at ten o'clock this morning.

Following President Kimball's
talk, we will sing in closing hymn
number 206, "The World Has Need
of Willing Men," following which
the benediction will be offered by
Elder Hartman Rector, Jr., a member
of the First Quorum of the Seventy.

President Spencer W. Kimball

My beloved brothers and sisters,
I have enjoyed this meeting very
much, and I endorse all that has been
presented by the various speakers.

Appreciation

I express deep appreciation to
each of you for what you are doing
in this wonderful welfare work. We
are grateful for the progress that has
been made. Notwithstanding there is
much service yet to be given, I feel
the Lord is pleased with the service
that has been rendered by the Saints.

I sense a deep commitment on
the part of our leaders to apply in the
wards and stakes the principles of
welfare service we have heard
preached from this pulpit for many

years. Surely there never has been a
time when we needed to be more
anxiously engaged in such an impor-
tant cause.

I am pleased with the reports we
receive regarding family gardens. I
hope all of you plan to put in your
garden whenever spring comes in
your area, and that where possible
you are canning and preserving food.
I note, too, the increased emphasis
on procuring welfare projects, as
well as improving the ones we al-
ready have.

Live the gospel

Nearly every family in the
Church is feeling the effects of
worldwide inflation in one way or

128

Saturday, April 5

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Firsl Day

another. May I remind all of us that
if we will live the gospel and follow
the counsel of the leaders of the
Church, we will be blessed to avoid
many of the problems that plague the
world. The Lord knows the chal-
lenges we face. If we keep his com-
mandments, we will be entitled to
the wisdom and blessings of heaven
in solving them.

Brothers and sisters, I know the
gospel is true. It contains the answers
to all of life's questions and to all of

life's problems. May the Lord bless
us all in this great welfare program, I
humbly pray in the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen.

The congregation sang the hymn
"The World Has Need of Willing
Men."

Elder Hartman Rector, Jr.
offered the benediction.

SALT LAKE TABERNACLE CHOIR AND ORGAN

BROADCAST

The following broadcast, an-
nounced by J. Spencer Kinard, and
originating with KSL Radio and Tele-
vision, Salt Lake City, Utah, was
presented from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. on
Sunday, April 6, 1980, through the
courtesy of the Columbia Broad-
casting System's network throughout
the United States, parts of Canada,
and through other facilities to several
points overseas:

Announcer: Once more we welcome
you within these walls with Music
and the Spoken Word from the
crossroads of the West.

CBS and its affiliated stations
bring you at this hour the Mormon
Tabernacle Choir from Temple
Square in Salt Lake City, with Jerold
Ottley conducting the Choir, John
Longhurst, Tabernacle organist, and
the Spoken Word by Spencer Kinard.

(Choir without announcement:
"So Keep We All This Holy Feast"
from "Christ Lay in Death's Dark
Prison" — Bach)

Announcer: ' 'With grateful hearts we
all are met To eat the bread of
gladness, So keep we all this holy
feast." The Tabernacle Choir opened
today's Easter broadcast with portions

of Bach's cantata "Christ Lay in
Death's Dark Prison."

Next, the words of Delbert L.
Stapley set to the music of Robert
Cundick are heard as the Choir sings
"Our God Is a God of Love, Love is
his greatest gift to us."

(Choir: "Our God Is a God of
Love " — Cundick)

Announcer: Had we been present
when Christ faced Pilate, we could
have predicted with certainty the out-
come. On the one hand stood Jesus.
He was a Hebrew, a second-class
citizen. He commanded no armies; he
had cultivated no friendships with
prominent individuals; his only
material possession at the time was a
homespun cloak.

Facing this carpenter from Gali-
lee was Pilate, Pilate the Governor,
the commander of armies, the
possessor of wealth; Pilate the
lawgiver, in whose hand rested the
power to inflict death as the final
argument to any debate.

Indeed, death would soon silence
this young prophet named Jesus. And
in the years to follow martyrdom, the
same fate would also become the
reward for many others who believed
in his name.

CHOIR AND ORGAN BROADCAST

129

It seems, in fact, that death has
always been used to silence the truth
by those who are ignorant or afraid.
Before Christ, the sublime Socrates
was silenced by the Athenian court
for instructing the youth of Greece to
think for themselves. After came
Bruno, the mathematician, burned at
the stake for his views concerning the
solar system; Thomas Moore,
beheaded for refusing to break his
word; Abraham Lincoln, shot because
he believed in the rights of all men;
and Gandhi, brought down in
violence for preaching the doctrine of
nonviolence.

Nor have such reactions been
restricted in time or place or purpose.
Truth seekers of all generations and in
all lands — including this one — have
been stilled because of their
principles. In 1844, in this country
near Carthage, Illinois, an American
religious leader named Joseph Smith
was shot to death because of his con-
victions. It was he who 150 years ago
today organized a religious commu-
nity which would seek refuge among
the Rocky Mountains, where it would
lay the foundations for this historic
Mormon Tabernacle on Temple
Square.

Yes, truth is forever on the
cross. Its champions have languished
in prisons, been silenced by the
assassin's bullet, been led to the
scaffold and to the stake.

But for all of this, death has not
conquered these martyrs — nor have
their cause, their courage, their sacri-
fice passed into nothingness.

For, somewhere on the outskirts
of Jerusalem there is a tomb: a tomb
different from all the other graves and
sepulchres the world over, a tomb
bearing mute testimony to the final
invincibility of truth, a tomb which is
empty yet testifies that the lives of all
will be eternal.

(Choir without announcement:
"The Almighty God Gave His Only
Begotten Son " — Cundick)

Announcer: "The Almighty God
Gave His Only Begotten Son, He suf-
fered temptations, but he gave no
heed to them. Then he was
crucified!" The Choir has sung this
composition from Robert Cundick 's
"The Redeemer."

From the works of Johannes
Brahms, Tabernacle Organist John
Longhurst plays "Beloved Jesus."

(Organ: "Beloved Jesus" —
Brahms)

Announcer: The Choir concludes
today's broadcast with music from
the "Requiem" by Brahms, "The
Redeemed of the Lord. "

(Choir: "The Redeemed of the
Lord" — Brahms)

Announcer: Again we leave you
from within the shadows of the ever-
lasting hills. May peace be with you
this day . . . and always.

Announcer (on radio): This con-
cludes the two-thousand six-hundred
forty-second performance, continuing
the fifty-first year of this traditional
broadcast from the Mormon Taber-
nacle on Temple Square, brought to
you by CBS and its affiliated stations,
originating with Station KSL in Salt
Lake City, Utah.

Jerold Ottley conducted the
Choir, John Longhurst was at the
organ, the Spoken Word by Spencer
Kinard.

In another seven days at this
same hour, Music and the Spoken
Word will be heard again from the
crossroads of the West.

This is the CBS radio network.

130

Sunday, April 6

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Second Day

SUMMARY OF CONFERENCE MUSIC

The Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir
provided the choral numbers for the
Saturday morning and Sunday morn-
ing sessions of the conference, with
Jerold D. Ottley and Donald H.
Ripplinger conducting.

A Relief Society choir comprised
of sisters from the Centerville, Syr-
acuse, Layton, and Kaysville regions
furnished the music for the Saturday
afternoon session under the direction
of Beverly J. Pond.

At the general priesthood meet-
ing, an Aaronic Priesthood choir from
regions in the Salt Lake Valley pro-
vided the music, directed by Norman

R. Wendel.

The Mormon Youth Chorus sang
at the Sunday afternoon session, di-
rected by Robert C. Bowden.

The Fayette, New York Branch
choir assisted with music during the
Sunday morning and Sunday after-
noon sessions. Their director was
Robert B. Winebrenner, accompanied
by Alma Jean Porschet.

Prelude, postlude, and interlude
music and accompaniments on the
Tabernacle organ throughout the con-
ference sessions were played by Rob-
ert Cundick, Roy Darley, or John
Longhurst, Tabernacle organists.

Francis M. Gibbons

Clerk of the Conference

INDEX

A

Asay, Elder Carlos E. (Priesthood Meeting) 59

Salt, 59; Savor of men, 60; Saviors of men, 61

Ashton, Elder Marvin J. (Priesthood Meeting) 49

President Kimball visits prison, 50; Leadership traits, 50;
Respect and dignity, 51; All men basically good, 52; Ten
major points, 52; Heartwarming example, 53

Auditor's Report 1979 26

Authorities and Officers, Sustaining of General 28

Authorities Present, General 2

Authorities Present, Other 2

B

Ballard, Elder M. Russell (Priesthood Meeting) 63

Personal experience, 63; Making a meaningful commitment,
64; Worth of souls is great, 64; Keep commitments, 64

Bangerter, Elder W. Grant (Priesthood Meeting) 65

Teaching by the Spirit, 65; Calls to serve, 65; Missionary
obligation, 66; Ask the Lord, 67; Spiritual preparation neces-
sary, 67

Benson, President Ezra Taft 44

A marvelous work and a wonder, 44; Church survives per-
secution, 44; The Church flourishes, 45; No neutral stand,
46; Great need for faithfulness, 47; Appeal to inactive priest-
hood bearers, 47; Keep covenants, 47; Nothing can stop
God's work, 48

Brown, Bishop Victor L. (Welfare Session) 121

Eternal principles, 121; Charity, 121; Basic expectations,
121; Growth and development, 122; Welfare programs
around the world, 122; Provide for our own needs, 123;
Challenge for the future, 123

Busche, Elder F. Enzio 37

Knowledge of God important, 37; Follow Christ, 38; Satan
deceives, 39; Principle of righteousness, 39; Accept God as
he really is, 40

132

GENERAL CONFERENCE

c

Church Finance Committee Report 26

D

Dunn, Elder Paul H. (Priesthood Meeting) 54

"Time-out," 54; Prayer, 54; Great leaders pray, 55; Military
experiences, 55; Power of prayer, 56

E

Edling, Wilford G. (Finance Committee Report) 26

F

Faust, Elder James E 14

Gift of the Holy Ghost, 15; Divine direction, 15; Personal
revelation, 16; David and Goliath, 16; God speaks today, 16;
Promptings of the Spirit, 16; Guidelines for receiving in-
spiration, 17; Still, small voice, 17; Revelation for Church
comes through the prophet, 18; President Kimball receives
revelation, 19

Fifth Session 92

Finance Committee Report, Church 26

First Day — Afternoon Meeting 25

First Day — Morning Meeting 3

First Session 3

Fourth Session 73

G

General Authorities and Officers, Sustaining of 28

General Authorities Present 2

General Priesthood Meeting 48

General Welfare Session 112

Gibbons, Francis M. (Statistical Report) 27

INDEX

133

Groberg, Elder John H. (Priesthood Meeting) 68

Personal and family histories, 68; Becoming sensitive to
spiritual things, 68; Writing motivates righteousness, 69;
Example showing spiritual strength for posterity, 69; In-
fluence of our histories, 70

H

Haight, Elder David B 10

Lazarus resurrected, 11; Jesus is betrayed, 12; The Cruci-
fixion, 12; Christ is resurrected, 12; Testimony of Christ's
resurrection, 13; Organization of the Church, 13; Tolstoy's
view of Mormonism, 13; Greatest power in the world, 14

Hanks, Elder Marion D 40

Enoch, 40; At the gate, 41; The Holy One, 41; Willing to
receive, 41; Love each other, 42; His instruments, 42; Near at
hand, 43; Choose him — and love, 43

Hillam, President Harold G. (Welfare Session) 115

Teton Dam experiences, 115; LDS Social Services, 116;
Deseret Industries, 117; Blessing those in need, 117

Hinckley, Elder Gordon B. (Fayette New York Chapel) 79

Joseph Smith testified of Christ, 79; Rise of the Church, 80;
Prophecy fulfilled, 81; Testimony, 81

Hunter, Elder Howard W 33

Law of resistance, 33; Opposition in all things, 34;
Tribulation endured by progenitors, 34; Job, 35; Abraham
and Jacob, 35; Paul, 36; Nephi, 36; Biographies of faith, 36;
President Kimball, 36; God will have a tried people, 36

Kimball, President Spencer W 4

Righteous history, 4; Consolidated meeting schedule, 4; Liv-
ing the gospel in the home, 5; Genealogy and temple work,
5; Progress in the Church, 6; Keep the faith, 6

Kimball, President Spencer W. (Peter Whitmer, Sr., Farmhouse) 74

Organization of the Church, 74; Sure and glorious future, 74;
Proclamation, 75

Kimball, President Spencer W. (Fayette New York Chapel) .... 77

"He is risen," 77; Progress of the Church, 78; Solemn
testimony, 78; Dedicatory Prayer, 78

134

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Kimball, President Spencer W. (Fayette New York Chapel) .... 110

Greatness measured by deeds, service, 110; Steadfastness of
members, 111; Hold fast to iron rod, 1 1 1

Kimball, President Spencer W. (Welfare Session) 127

Appreciation, 127; Live the gospel, 127

L

Larsen, Elder Dean L 104

Freedom to exercise moral agency, 105; Self-accountability,
105; Balance of freedom and restraint, 106; Individual spiri-
tual growth, 106

M

McConkie, Elder Bruce R 97

A glorious view, 97; Past history, 97; Joy in the present and
the future, 98; Forward to Zion, 98; Greater evil, 99; Lord's
work continues, 99; Keep the commandments, 100; Our souls
at rest, 100

Monson, Elder Thomas S 7

Tribute to Primary leaders, 7; Teaching boys, 7; John the
Baptist, 7; Baptism of Christ, 8; Restoration of Aaronic Priest-
hood, 9; "Ministering of angels," 9; Authority of Aaronic
Priesthood, 10

Music, Summary of Conference 130

O

Obituaries 28

P

Packer, Elder Boyd K 82

Humble members, 82; Days of beginning not far past, 83;
Rank and file carry gospel spirit, 83; Examples, 83; Joseph
Millett, 84; Glimpse of heaven, 84; Pioneers, 85; Day of
miracles, 85; Apostles of Jesus Christ, 86; Revelation, 86

Perry, Elder L. Tom 101

Early Saints leave Missouri, 101; Nauvoo, 101; Accom-
plishments of early Saints, 102; Deep and abiding faith, 102;
Industry, 103; Formula for success, 104

INDEX

135

Petersen, Elder Mark E 93

Measuring Church growth, 93; Our message, 93; War be-
tween good and evil, 94; Recognize Satan's tactics, 94; Who
is on the Lord's side?, 95; Parental responsibilities, 95; "Put
on whole armour of God," 96

Pinnock, Elder Hugh W. (Fayette New York Chapel) 79

Pinnock, Elder Hugh W. (Fayette New York Chapel) 108

Church growth explained, 108; Aspects of restored Church,
108; Safety in the Church, 109; Four suggestions to show
gratitude, 109

Poelman, Elder Ronald E. (Welfare Session) 124

How the councils work, 124; Planning and goals, 125;
Spiritual preparation, 125; Councils foster unity, 126; All
things are spiritual, 126

Priesthood Meeting, General 48

Proclamation from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles 75

(Read by Elder Gordon B . Hinckley)

R

Richards, Elder LeGrand 30

Search the scriptures, 30; Nahum's prophecy of our day, 30;

Messenger to prepare for Christ's coming, 31; "Restitution of
all things," 31; Nebuchadnezzar's dream, 31; Kingdom of
God, 32; Restoration of everlasting gospel, 32; Day of
preparation, 33

Romney, President Marion G 92, 96, 100, 101, 104, 107, 112,

115, 118, 120, 124, 127

Romney, President Marion G. (Priesthood Meeting) 71

Grateful for priesthood responsibilities, 71; Pray for spirit of
discernment, 71; Live lives that preach the gospel, 72

Romney, President Marion G 87

Genuineness of Book of Mormon, 87; Most correct book, 87;
Remember Book of Mormon teachings, 88; Avoid evil, 88;
Keep truths in mind, 88; Meditate on word of God, 89;
Teachings will assist youth, 89; Practice of daily reading to
gain Spirit, 90

136

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Romney, President Marion G. (Welfare Session) 112

Serving our fellowmen, 112; Welfare program based on
eternal principles, 113; Self-sustaining, 113; Family assis-
tance, 114; Church assistance, 114; Essentially a question of

spirituality, 114

S

Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir and Organ Broadcast 128

Second Day — Afternoon Meeting 92

Second Day — Morning Meeting 73

Second Session 25

Statistical Report 1979 27

Summary of Conference Music 130

Sustaining of General Authorities and Officers 28

T

Tabernacle Choir and Organ Broadcast, Salt Lake 128

Tanner, President N. Eldon 3, 4, 6, 10, 14, 19, 26, 28, 30, 33,

37, 40, 44, 48, 49, 54, 59, 62, 65, 71, 72, 73, 82, 86, 91

Tanner, President N. Eldon 19

Purpose of earth's creation, 19; Marriage ordained of God,
20; Eternal marriage, 20; Preparation for celestial marriage,
21; Selecting a marriage partner, 21; Four specifics for
establishing a happy home, 21; Importance of children, 22;
Birth control, 22; Love expressed through actions, 23; Gospel
plan of life and salvation, 23; Making home heaven on earth,
24

Third Session 48

Thomas, Sister Shirley W. (Welfare Session) 118

Devotion of early sisters, 118; Today's problems, 118; Sensi-
tivity to needs, 119; Foundation of six welfare principles,
119; Support priesthood, 120

Tuttle, Elder A. Theodore (Priesthood Meeting) 57

Greatest responsibility to seek after dead, 57; Importance of
genealogy, 57; Family and priesthood leaders involvement,
58; A supernal work, 59

INDEX

137

W

Welfare Session, General 112

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